In 2019, her film ‘Knives and Skin’ was nominated for Best Feature Film at the Berlin International Film Festival. That same year, she was 1 of 20 filmmakers recognized by Bong Joon-ho as someone he believes will shape cinema over the next decade. Now, in 2023, Jennifer Reeder is partnering up with Shudder, and has debuted her newest film ‘Perpetrator’ at the Berlin International Film Festival. In a frightening clip released by WTFilms, co-stars Alicia Silverstone (Clueless, The Requin) and Kiah McKirnan (Mare of Easttown) give us just a small glimpse into what wickedness Reeder’s ‘horror-noir- has in store.
Jonny Baptiste is a reckless teen sent to live with her estranged Aunt Hildie. On the event of her 18th birthday, she experiences a radical metamorphosis: a family spell that redefines her called Forevering. When several teen girls go missing at her new school, a mythically feral Jonny goes after the Perpetrator.
This film makes Reeder’s third collaboration with Shudder: after her agoraphobic flick Night’s End, and her involvement in V/H/S 94 as director of the film’s through-line, Holy Hell.
The clip’s visuals coupled along with the poster are reminiscent of Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool, released just last month in theaters. A threatening aura and a grotesque, up-close focus on the human body are present in both; and both posters portray a melted blend of heads and faces.
No tell yet when the film will make its streaming premiere on Shudder, but for now you can meet Aunt Hildie and see her unusual discipline methods in the trailer below.
Artist: CreepyDuck
