An Australian supernatural horror film titled “Effigy” has finished filming and released its initial promotional images. The production features South Australian actor Chris Gun, known for his role as Noel Gallagher in “Better Man,” alongside a cast including Lauren Koopowitz, David Daradan, and Saya Kraetzer. Directors Myles McEwen and Ripley Stevens helm the project, which is being produced by Black Mandala Films.
Set during 1989 in England, the narrative centers on the Marsh family confronting a terrifying supernatural event triggered by the discovery of an enigmatic doll. The disturbance intensifies as a mysterious entity becomes increasingly obsessed with the family’s daughter, forcing paranormal specialists to investigate the disturbing circumstances. The filmmakers have incorporated psychosexual elements while examining themes of depression, personal identity, and spirituality throughout the story.
McEwen revealed that the directorial duo adopted a fresh creative approach for this project compared to their earlier work. He explained that the team invested considerable effort to craft a narrative with genuine emotional depth, exploring depression as a relatable theme. The production design and cinematography were intentionally styled to evoke the aesthetic of 1989 cinema, recreating the visual language and atmosphere of that era.
The film will premiere at a major festival following its completion. Executive producers Michael Kraetzer and Nicolás Onetti described “Effigy” as pushing horror genre boundaries, while McEwen cryptically hinted at what viewers should anticipate, stating that “she’s already here.”
Originally reported by Variety →
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