Sasha Grey's New Movie Premieres at SXSW

AUSTIN — “Open Windows,” Nacho Vigalondo’s latest film starring Sasha Grey alongside A-lister Elijah Wood, premiered at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin , Texas on Monday.

Billed as the 21st century’s “Rear Window,” “Open Windows,” despite a frosty reception from critics, has been lauded for its innovative style (most of the action unfolds on computers, phones and other devices).

Wood plays Nick Chambers, a webmaster utterly obsessed with famous actress Jill Goddard (Sasha Grey). Chambers believes he has won a contest to meet Goddard, until a strange man posing as her manager tells him that the contest was cancelled — but offers unlimited access to the star via extensive hidden surveillance cameras. The trailer shows glimpses of the ensuing psychodrama, in which Chambers is drawn into the impostor’s plot to hunt down Goddard.

Grey told the Daily Beast in an interview that she was already fan of Vigalondo when she heard he was working on a new project, and asked her former manager to get the script. When Vigalondo came to L.A. from Spain, they met and hit it off.

“We had some good talks and meetings, and he cast me,” Grey said. “There’s a sense of irony and reflection in my character in this film that’s a nod to my past in adult films. I’m not the kind of person who ever wants to hide or forget my past, so I enjoyed that element of it.”

She explained further, “There are elements of Jill that are true to her character — she’s a diva, has had problems with drugs, isn’t a faithful or loyal person — and that’s what a lot of people project onto me. And she’s an actress that everyone loves to hate, and I deal with that too. People love to hate me.”

Beyond the ironic congruities, Grey and Jill do share the similar, harrowing experience of dealing with stalkers. Grey says that even while filming “Open Windows,” she was being harassed by both an in-the-flesh stalker and cyberstalker.   

“I’ve dealt with strange things,” she said. “There’s a sense of entitlement that people have because of the Internet, and because we’re part of the public eye. You’re walking down the street with your phone and people grab you and say, ‘Hey, can I have a picture?’ You deal with that. But the scarier part is the people that don’t give up, hide behind the anonymity of the Internet, and feel like they have a right to insert themselves into your life.”

For more information and showtimes, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Romi Rain Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Romi Rain and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

JD Directs New Grazyeli Silva Showcase

Evil Angel has released JD’s Grazyeli Silva showcase, titled "Grazyeli Silva Sexcapades."

Heidi Jo Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Heidi Jo stars with her husband Jerri, Isiah Maxwell, and Hollywood Cash in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Elegant Angel's 'Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in Elegant Angel's new feature thriller "Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story," part of the site's annual "Superstar September" initiative.

Gender X Drops 'Vampirella' Parody

Gender X Films has released its latest feature, "Transpirella," a parody of the 1970s sci-fi horror comic book "Vampirella," directed by Jim Powers.

Jonni Darkko Directs New Chloe Amour Showcase

Evil Angel has released Jonni Darrko’s Chloe Amour showcase, titled "Mon Amour."

Bella Reid Named Penthouse's 'Pet of the Month' for September

Penthouse Magazine has named Bella Reid as Pet of the Month for September.

Andi Avalon Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Six Bodies In Motion."

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

Show More