A first look has been released from Anna Biller’s new feature The Face of Horror, now in production in Prague. The medieval ghost story stars Jonah Hauer-King and Kristine Froseth in leading roles, with an ensemble cast that includes Ellie Bamber, Bella Heathcote, Leo Suter, and Ben Radcliffe.
The project marks Biller’s return to feature filmmaking nearly a decade after her acclaimed The Love Witch (2016), a cult favorite that established her distinctive visual style and feminist approach to genre cinema. This time, she is expanding her scope with a period horror tale that blends gothic atmosphere, supernatural elements, and a revenge narrative rooted in one of Japan’s most enduring ghost stories.
Filming began this summer in and around Prague, where the city’s medieval architecture has become a backdrop for the plague-haunted setting. A still released by Embankment Films shows Hauer-King as the knight Edward Carnifex standing over Froseth’s Eleanor, hinting at the betrayal and revenge central to the film’s plot.
A gothic tale of betrayal and revenge
The Face of Horror reimagines the 19th-century Japanese ghost story Yotsuya Kaidan in a medieval English setting. The story follows Edward Carnifex (Hauer-King), a knight who murders his lover’s father in order to marry her, only to abandon her for a wealthier bride played by Heathcote. Froseth stars as Eleanor, whose devotion turns to vengeance after her betrayal, with her spirit returning from beyond the grave to haunt Edward.
Bamber portrays Eleanor’s sister Beatrice, while Suter plays Richard, Edward’s squire and Beatrice’s love interest. Radcliffe appears as Roger, a tailor ensnared in Edward’s schemes. The ensemble’s mix of rising international actors underscores the film’s appeal to both arthouse and genre audiences.
The narrative draws from gothic tradition, employing betrayal, obsession, and supernatural retribution as central themes. Biller, who wrote the screenplay in addition to directing and producing, has described the project as a fusion of historical drama and ghost story. The production reunites her with cinematographer David Mullen, who helped define the stylized, Technicolor aesthetic of The Love Witch.
Producer Mike Goodridge of Good Chaos described the project as “a medieval nightmare with bite,” noting that Biller’s vision balances sly humor, explicit horror, and visual excess. The approach is designed, he said, for “current audiences who want fresh, bold storytelling on the big screen.”
Horror production in Prague
The film is a U.K.-led production from Good Chaos alongside producer James Bowsher. Biller herself serves as co-producer, with Jared Sanford, Phil Hunt, and Compton Ross as executive producers. Embankment Films is handling international sales, while WME Independent is co-representing U.S. rights.
In Prague, Sirena Film is providing production services, continuing its record of hosting large-scale international shoots. The city’s combination of preserved medieval architecture, skilled crews, and financial incentives has made it a frequent choice for historical and horror productions.
The production also highlights Prague’s growing role in global horror filmmaking. While the city has long served as a stand-in for various European settings, its role in horror cinema has expanded in recent years, pairing atmospheric locations with internationally recognized casts and directors. Recent horror projects filmed in the Czech capital include Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, AMC’s Interview with the Vampire, and The Crow; Zach Cregger‘s new Resident Evil film will also shoot in Prague this fall.
For Biller, The Face of Horror represents both a continuation of her artistic interests and an expansion into larger-scale filmmaking. “We have such breathtaking locations and such a stellar cast and crew that I’m a bit stunned by it all,” she said in a statement earlier this year. “I’m thrilled to be working with Good Chaos and Sirena Films to bring this beautiful ghost story to life.”
A release date for the film has yet to be set, but The Face of Horror could debut at some point in 2026 following a typical production schedule.
Lead photo: Jonah Hauer-King and Kristine Froseth in The Face of Horror courtesy Good Chaos
