A chilling new horror film emerges in the shadowy depths of family dysfunction. Children of the Pines, the award-winning feature debut from director Joshua Morgan, is set to unsettle audiences with its digital release on October 18th. Freestyle Digital Media and Producer Lucas A. Ferrara have unveiled the trailer for this psychological thriller, promising a fresh, unsettling take on familial terror.
Garnering critical acclaim, Children of the Pines has already claimed the Best Feature award at Ice CineFest, Best Thriller at the Indo-French Film Festival, and an audience award at Gasparilla International Film Festival. These accolades hint at the film’s potent blend of psychological horror and family drama.
The official synopsis paints a disturbing picture:
Over her winter break, Riley, a college junior, is persuaded by her estranged parents, Kathy and John, to visit home to fix their fractured relationship. As Riley settles in, she discovers that her parents have developed an unsettling friendship with her high school ex, Gordon, and that mysterious children are now living in the house. A series of disturbing flashbacks reveal Kathy and John’s time at an eerie, unconventional couples therapy retreat that promised to heal their problems through supernatural means. As the day progresses, Riley starts to uncover the dark and twisted truth of her parents’ desperate attempts to mend the deep issues plaguing their family.
Enhancing the film’s eerie atmosphere is an original score by Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes, whose previous work includes the Oscar-nominated film A WAR. Wagner’s haunting compositions promise to amplify the tension, drawing viewers deeper into the twisted world of Children of the Pines.
Director Joshua Morgan shared his journey with the project:
“Since starting this project at 17 years old, it’s been an amazing ride getting this feature developed and working alongside producers Lucas A. Ferrara and Danielle J. Bowman. Over the last 4 years our crew has unwaveringly given their all to make this movie possible. We are more than excited to get Children of the Pines in front of audiences to hopefully offer a refreshingly thoughtful, disturbing, and eerie thriller.”
Producer Lucas A. Ferrara emphasized the film’s unique approach to horror:
“CHILDREN OF THE PINES is a different kind of horror film that refuses to follow formula. Unlike other projects of the genre, you won’t find any knives, guns, axes, guillotines, or even chainsaws. Violence and gore are kept to a minimum. But if you enjoy being tantalized by the unknown and witnessing the consequences of a misguided family’s cataclysmic quest for redemption, this film promises to be a uniquely compelling and thought-provoking journey – as all the “best film” wins and award nominations attest.”
The chilling trailer for Children of the Pines can be viewed below, offering a glimpse into the psychological horror awaiting viewers on October 18th.
Focusing on psychological horror and family dynamics, Children of the Pines carves out a distinct niche in the genre. As the digital release date approaches, anticipation builds for this fresh, unsettling exploration of family trauma and supernatural intervention.
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