Love Island Claudia Bonifazio’s movie set for theatre release after overcoming ‘curses’

A reality TV starlet has been described as the next Teresa Palmer with her first major acting role set to hit cinemas - but it hasn’t been without its setbacks.

Behind the scenes with Claudia Bonifazio who is staring in SA film Spithood directed by Tim Pine. Picture: Supplied

Love Island star Claudia Bonifazio has made the switch from reality television to the big screen with filming all wrapped up on her first major acting role.

The Adelaide-born beauty who won season four with boyfriend Austen Bugeja says “marriage was definitely on the book” and will star in Spithood set to hit cinemas next year.

Directed by Tim Pine, the all-South Australian movie follows a mental health worker compelled to confront a troubled past and a violent patient who escapes confinement and embarks on a determined rampage.

Bonifazio said transitioning from reality television to film was a “smooth and fantastic experience”.

“It was so lovely to work with people straight out of my hometown, and our state has some of the best places to shoot films and movies and I am glad we shot our film here,” she said.

Bonifazio said she was thankful for the reality show but wanted to focus on her acting career.

“I’m trying to paint myself as more of an actor than a TV show star,” she said.

“Ever since Love Island I’ve gotten a few calls but I don’t trust a lot of the people going to Hollywood. So I’m just trying to start slow and go there the long way.”

Pine described his experience of working with Bonifazio as “any director’s delight”.

Claudia Bonifazio. Picture: Instagram @claudiabonifazio

Claudia Bonifazio staring in Spithood directed by Tim Pine. Picture: Supplied

“She’s got that Teresa Palmer presence on screen. Her eyes can tell me everything I need to know,” he said.

He had seen Bonifazio’s screen test before she applied for Love Island and recognised her passion and talent early on.

Filmed entirely in SA, it will feature locations including the University of Adelaide, a TAFE SA campus and several scenes on the streets of Port Adelaide.

But the film endured its share of mishaps and setbacks.

Pine said the filmmakers experienced “curses” that started when they fell victim to an overseas finance scam while “chasing” money.

“There were moments during the filming here in South Australia that the hairs on the back of my neck and my arms stood up,” he said.

Shooting of the movie, which is set in a mental health centre. Picture: Supplied

The director said other setbacks included food poisoning among the crew, equipment failures and numerous relationship breakups.

“It didn’t end there; my dog had a spinal stroke and was paralysed during the production,” he said.

The director felt certain about the curse when he learned Bonifazio’s brother’s bar had burnt down.

Three people were charged over the fire at Bar 38 on Greenhill Rd, Glenside, in August.

The movie also features SA’s Natasha Wanganeen, Thibul Nettle, Nick Buckland, Georgia Williams, Trung Le, and Tess O’Flaherty.

When asked about her relationship with Bugeja, Bonifazio said she was in a “really good place” wand “marriage was definitely on the book”.

“I don’t actually think I’ve had a stronger relationship and we both know what we want,” she said.