A Film by Shinya Tsukamoto
Mr. Nelson,
Did You Kill
People?
Feature Film · 2026
A psychologically intense anti-war drama based on the life of Allen Nelson. It explores combat, survival, guilt, memory, and moral injury, the weight a person carries long after the war is over.
The Role
Young
Allen
The younger self of Allen Nelson — carried through Vietnam and the aftermath that follows him home.
Official Theatrical Poster
A remarkable cast spanning backgrounds and generations, united by a director who lets every performance breathe, trusts the quiet moments to land, and the explosive moments to hit authentically sound and true.
Tsukamoto
Director · Writer · Cinematographer · Editor
One of Japanese cinema's most singular voices, award winning Shinya Tsukamoto has spent four decades building a body of work defined by physical intensity, industrial texture, and an unflinching eye for the body under pressure. Tsukamoto-san is writer, director, cinematographer, and editor of his films — a total authorship rare in modern cinema.
Select Filmography
Venice Film Festival · Orizzonti Prize for Outstanding Feature
Venice Film Festival · San Marco Special Jury Award
Sundance Grand Prize Winner
Multiple Award Winning Cult Classic
Format
Feature Film
2026
Character
Young Allen
Played by Mark Merphy
Working on Mr. Nelson,
Did You Kill People?
When I first read the sides on Backstage, I didn't expect to hear back. I taped the audition in my apartment in a military jacket, holding a toy pistol I'd bought for the audition, and tried not to think about it afterward. Then the call came.
Being directed by acclaimed visionary Shinya Tsukamoto meant watching someone treat every frame like it mattered. He directs with a quiet intensity, few words, total precision. You learn quickly that stillness can carry more weight than any gesture.
Being among Academy Award® winner Geoffrey Rush (Shine, The King's Speech), Rodney Hicks (Broadway's RENT, Come From Away), Tatyana Ali (Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Abbott Elementary), Lily Franky (Shoplifters, Like Father Like Son) was an honor I am still processing. I didn't share scenes with them, but just being on the same set meant the world. The person I keep coming back to is Rodney Hicks. I portray the younger version of Allen Nelson from the ages of 18-23 in flashbacks, as Rodney's older Allen Nelson anchors the film from the ages of 28-59, with his retelling of his time on the battlefield and the war back home in therapy with Dr. Daniels, who is portrayed by Geoffrey Rush. With that said, Rodney and I never shared scenes together, but we had dinners together and met before and after filming. His kind spirit showed in every interaction, and he became a guide for me throughout this project, a big brother. Watching how he carries himself, how generous he is with a younger actor still finding his footing, taught me more than any class could.
What I took away is simple. The work is the work. Show up prepared, stay honest, and trust the people around you. This project reinforced the kind of stories I want to be part of, ones that cross cultures, that sit with difficult truths, that put character before spectacle.
“Promising newcomer Mark Merphy”The Hollywood Reporter
“The most convincing performance here is from debutant Mark Merphy as the young Allen…”
“Mark Merphy plays Allen as a young man and in the war, and he is formidable.”
“Mark Merphy embodies young Nelson with extraordinary physicality…”
“Another standout moment for Merphy.”
“He is mirrored in intensity by newcomer Mark Merphy playing the younger version of Allen…”
“Rodney Hicks and Mark Merphy effectively reproduce Allen's suffering…”
“Good performances by Rodney Hicks and Mark Merphy.”
“Mark Merphy proves himself equal to a role that is anything but simple for a newcomer.”
“Incredible and wonderful.”
“Mark Merphy and Rodney Hicks' passionate performances are nothing short of superb.”
“An equally admirable Mark Merphy as young Allen…”
“talented newcomer Mark Merphy”
Winner
38th Premio Leoncino d'Oro
83rd Venice International Film Festival · 2026
The jury recognized the film's portrayal of war, trauma, and the development of its protagonist's consciousness.
83rd
Venice International Film Festival
World Premiere · In Competition
TIFF
Toronto International Film Festival
North American Premiere · Official Selection
Character before spectacle.