7/7/2025

Houston’s cinematic pulse was pounding this Friday, July 4th—and it wasn’t just from fireworks lighting the skyline. The highly anticipated psychological thriller Deadly Escape exploded onto the scene with a stylish private VIP premiere at The Vaughn Home, hosted by Houston’s own Derrick and Chaun Vaughn. The evening was a symphony of red carpet elegance, storytelling excellence, and community celebration that proves once again: H-Town knows how to make headlines—and history.
Grit, Glamour, and a Groundbreaking Vision
The intimate screening was nothing short of electric. Guests were greeted with a red carpet experience curated by Houston fashion and media maven Bridgette Waugh, whose eye for style elevated the affair into a visual feast. Attendees mixed and mingled, posed for flashing cameras, and soaked in the vibes of a project powered by passion, purpose, and authentic Southern storytelling.
Post-screening, acclaimed moderator Mimi McClure led a raw, riveting panel conversation that peeled back the psychological layers of Deadly Escape, giving attendees rare access to the creative heartbeat behind the film.
Chaun Vaughn and Lakisha Lemons
More Than a Thriller—It’s a Psychological Ballet
Written and directed by powerhouse filmmaker Lakisha Lemons, Deadly Escape shatters genre conventions. What starts as a prison-break thriller quickly morphs into something far deeper—an edge-of-your-seat spiral into truth, trauma, and transformation. A woman’s escape turns into a mental chess match when the man she abducts reveals secrets that twist the narrative like a knife in the dark.
It’s part cat-and-mouse, part soul-searching odyssey. The result? A psychological storm where vulnerability meets vengeance—and no one walks away unscathed.
Deadly Escape Misha McClure
An Ensemble Cast That Bleeds Talent
This homegrown masterpiece boasts a magnetic cast whose performances pulse with authenticity:
Dakarai Akil as Detective Marc James
Larissa Dali as Bianca Berry
D’Andre Duncan as Mr. Nice Guy
Helen Hadnot as The Neighbor
Dee Hill as Freda “Free” Maxwell
Kendahl Lemons as Kendall (Teenager)
Kashea Singleton as Young Kendall
Daemon Pedroza as Officer Smith
Donna Stewart as The Mom
Isaiah Allen Vaughn as Drew Petersen
Standouts like Dakarai Akil, who trained with real-life law enforcement to elevate his role, and Isaiah Allen Vaughn, whose emotional depth left viewers breathless, prove this cast isn’t playing around. They bring Houston’s resilience, grit, and talent to the big screen with pride.
From Local Premiere to Global Platforms
Deadly Escape isn’t just a film—it’s a movement. And now, audiences everywhere can join the ride. The film is now streaming on Prime Video, Fawesome, and other top platforms. Whether you're watching for the tension, the twists, or the tear-jerking humanity, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll be thinking about this story long after the screen goes dark.
Why It Matters to H-Town
More than a hometown project, Deadly Escape is a reflection of Houston’s creative power. It’s a testament to the Black storytellers, independent filmmakers, and visionary artists reshaping cinema from the inside out. Director Lakisha Lemons didn’t just make a movie—she made a statement. And Houston stood up, dressed up, and showed up.
Houston Style Magazine readers so grab your popcorn, stream the film, and share the love using #DeadlyEscapeMovie and #TeamStyleMag. Because when Houston tells a story—Hollywood listens.