Domestic bliss sometimes hides a multitude of sins. As such, Ed Fornieles’ art house offering, Warrior—in which the artist plays a father bequeathing to his son a prophetic, unsettling awakening—conveniently offers up a dark subversion of day-to-day family values.

“There is a facade, and then there are things that run underneath it, incredibly complex forces: anxieties, fears, desires,” explains Fornieles. “I am always into the idea of a full picture with all things incorporated, like a broad sort of landscape.”

“These days he sends a doppelgänger every time he's asked to have his portrait shot, a different one each time,” says Dean Kissick, a long-time collaborator who scripted the film’s coming-of-age metaphor based on the role-playing game, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. “So it was exciting to make a film actually starring him for a change.” Also adding to the film’s zeitgeist and complexity is an emotive ambient soundtrack with scattering effects by fledging industrial music wunderkind, and Tri-Angle Records’ latest signing, Boothroyd.

Fresh from opening Modern Family at Chisenhale Gallery, an immersive exhibition that makes many a must-see list at this week’s Frieze London, the LA-based artist continues this fantastical obsession with an alternative family life that he once dreamt of nestling in with ex-girlfriend of 10 years, actress Felicity Jones.

How did Modern Family come about?
Ed Fornieles: I latched on to the namesake TV program. It is a still shot of an ideal contemporary family, with some genuine mutations, like the incorporation of a gay family, and the older husband with a young hot wife. England often mimics the American suburban idea—a version of the pure American form. I'm interested in the majority, and what's popular, so that has to become the context.

How does it relate to you now?
EF: I am in my 30s. Part of me does aspire to the lifestyle. I've become hyper-aware of a whole new set of expectations and priorities that have come into play. I then also have the ability to change my position, or mutate it. Also it’s interesting to me how life inevitably becomes a quest, and how responsibilities can create the adventure.

Why have you decided to act in the film yourself this time around?
EF: I think for each piece of artwork, with each audience—be that of a publication, or a live event—it’s fitting to embed the message in different people. Either because they command more authority, or they are just more attractive to people. In this film there is a very personal element to it. It’s my life moment, which is why it’s important to bring me into the work and talk sincerely about my position.

How are you enjoying Frieze London this week?
EF: I have several pieces at the Carlos Ishikawa booth at Frieze. And we have a nail bar running every day where you can get your nails painted and have the Ed Fornieles avatar put on.

Frieze London is taking place from October 15 to 18. Modern Family is now on show at Chisenhale Gallery through November 9.