TEXAS — In a romantic thriller set in 1994, audiences are transported to a thrilling West Texas adventure in the new film, “The 8th Day.”

Alexandra Chando’s directorial debut follows the intersecting lives of two low-level criminals, a mysterious ex-con, an aspiring escapee and a tempting target in a West Texas town over the span of eight days.

“When I first moved here from LA, I was very inspired by the stories and the landscape of Texas. I knew that because I was now living here, I wanted to do my best to contribute to the film community here,” Chando told Spectrum News. “It was just by chance that I was sent the script for The 8th Day and it was set in Texas. The fact that it was set in Texas certainly drew me to wanting to tell that story.”

The film stars Darren Mann, Phoebe Tonkin, Mustafa Speaks, Valerie Mahaffey, Tanner Beard and Lindsey Morgan.

“This is one of those films that sneaks up on you in the best way. It’s a ride. It’s heartfelt, intense, and surprisingly funny at times,” Mustafa Speaks said. “‘The 8th Day’ is the kind of film you treat yourself to when you want to feel something real. It’s a must watch. You deserve a good time.”

Although the film’s setting was 1994 West Texas, filming mostly occurred in New Mexico for better tax incentives; however, with renewed incentive pushes, Chando hopes to keep Texas-set films in Texas.

“I’d definitely love to shoot more films in Texas. I’d love to be able to work with our film community — so many of them I’ve known since The Lying Game days,” Chando said. “I’m open to making more films about Texas as well!”

The film debuted at the Dallas International Film Festival and launched the Chelsea Film Festival.

“The crime thriller genre felt like a cool place to start with my first feature and telling this story through the female gaze with the rich female characters was especially interesting to me. When I finished reading the script I felt like it was such a fun ride and I wanted the opportunity to take audiences on that ride. I also loved the idea of doing a movie set in West Texas the 1990’s and bringing that world to life on screen felt like a fun challenge,” Chando added.

Experience the exciting story of “The 8th Day,” available now for rent on pay-per-view platforms.