Twin sisters Melissa and Michelle Macedo are taking the horror world by storm with THINESTRA — a bold, twisted, and deeply emotional body-horror film that’s been shocking (and moving) audiences across the festival circuit. The film, directed by Nathan Hong Fisher, uses grotesque transformation and dark comedy to tackle the raw reality of body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and the pressure to be “perfect.”
During our Pop Culture Unplugged conversation, the Macedo twins opened up about their journey with the film, from crawling out of toilets on set to confronting very real emotional truths beneath the gore.
“We brought vomit bags to every screening.”
From Spain to Screamfest to Raindance, THINESTRA has been hitting major horror festivals around the globe — and Melissa and Michelle have been right there with the audience.
“We just got back from Spain,” Melissa shared. “The best part of this process is getting people’s reactions when they finally see the movie — how grossed out they are, what they think is funny. Horror fans are so dedicated, and that makes it even more fun.”
Michelle added with a laugh, “We actually brought vomit bags to every screening. There’s a lot of gross stuff — we were prepared.”
The horror of being your own worst enemy
Despite the shock factor, THINESTRA’s story comes from a deeply human place.
“Body horror was a really cool way to explore disordered eating,” Michelle explained. “It can feel horrifying to be in your own body — to feel like you’re fighting yourself. We wanted to show that pain and make it real.”
Melissa agreed, adding, “Everyone has a complicated relationship with their body or with food. This movie just visualizes that struggle in the most extreme, unsettling way possible.”
Two halves of the same person
The twins play characters who represent two sides of one person — a creative challenge that demanded both emotional and physical precision.
“We worked with a movement coach to make sure our performances felt cohesive,” Melissa said. “We wanted it to be clear that we were the same person, just different parts of her.”
Michelle revealed a chilling detail:
“Every line that the monster Penelope says is actually something someone has said to her. She doesn’t have any original dialogue — she’s just repeating the things that have been said to her in life. That’s how internalized self-loathing sounds.”
Gross-out effects and real emotion
While THINESTRA’s emotional weight is undeniable, it doesn’t skimp on practical horror.
“Almost everything was practical,” Melissa shared. “They built a bathroom set on a stage, and yes — the toilet was big enough for me to actually crawl out of. It was disgusting but so impressive.”
And sometimes, the intensity got too real.
“It’s hard to fake vomit,” Melissa laughed. “There were definitely moments I thought, ‘If I actually throw up, someone’s going to have to clean this.’”
A message of self-compassion
Beneath all the blood, slime, and screams, THINESTRA delivers a powerful message.
“I hope people walk away with self-compassion,” Michelle said. “Look at what you put yourself through to be this perfect version of yourself. Give yourself a break.”
Melissa echoed that sentiment:
“When we’re trapped in our own self-criticism, we forget about all the good things happening around us. This movie is about being kinder to yourself — even when it’s messy.”
What’s next for the Macedo twins
After conquering the festival circuit, THINESTRA is expected to hit streaming platforms in early 2026. And as for what’s next, the sisters say they’re open — but horror will always have their hearts.
“We love horror,” said Michelle. “We made a supernatural thriller a few years back, and it’s just so much fun to dive into those intense, emotional stories. It’s all hands on deck. Everyone’s passionate. That’s the best way to make movies.”
Final Thoughts
THINESTRA is more than a horror film — it’s a raw, fearless reflection on shame, beauty, and the monsters we create inside ourselves. Melissa and Michelle Macedo deliver unforgettable performances that blend terror and tenderness in equal measure.
And as the sisters continue to bring their unique voices to genre storytelling, one thing’s clear: horror is in very good hands.