There seems to be a "The Shining (1980)" reference at the first third of the film when Nate walks up the stairs and sees his father sitting on a bed in a room, looking at each other through an open door.
The episode is filmed under the working title, "Journey into Night", which is referenced to Westworld (2016).
S.J. Clarkson was considered to direct. She will direct later with Sydney Sweeney in Madame Web (2024).