Vertical has scheduled the horror film Family for a theatrical and digital release on September 25, 2026.
Plot and Premise
Written and directed by Benjamin Finkel in his feature directorial debut, the story centers on a 10-year-old girl named Johanna. She becomes convinced that her parents are trying to kill her and that a sinister spirit is to blame, causing her to spiral into a haunting fantasy world that reflects her deepest fears.
Cast and Characters
Cameron Dawson Gray stars as the young protagonist, Johanna. She is joined by Ruth Wilson and Ben Chaplin, who portray her parents in the movie.
Thematic Roots
The film explores heavy themes of childhood grief and anxiety surrounding a father’s illness. Director Benjamin Finkel drew directly from his own life for the script, having started writing the story at the age of 14 after losing his father to cancer.
Festival Reception
Before arriving at its official theatrical and streaming release, Family first frightened audiences during its premiere at the SXSW film festival in 2024. Early reviews praised the movie for its oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere, skin-crawling sound design, and effective use of the uncanny valley to distort familiar silhouettes.
