Some of the most compelling horror films in recent memory have been directed by women. Whether they’re heart-wrenching examinations of motherhood like The Babadook, or downright hilarious dark comedies like American Psycho, there’s always a unique voice behind the camera with their own interesting story to tell. The prolific work of Jennifer Reeder, for example, has explored a variety of topics. These range from how a disappearance can affect a small town, to commentary on police injustices.

Reeder’s latest work, Perpetrator, aims to represent what exactly happens when a rebellious young woman is forced into a fight for her life. The film has yet to premiere in any capacity, with its debut expected at Berlin International Film Festival in February. But, when it does come out, it looks to be yet another exciting addition to Reeder’s burgeoning filmography. After it makes the rounds at film festivals, Shudder will distribute Perpetrator for the streaming market.

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This is everything we know about Perpetrator.

Perpetrator: The Plot

     Shudder

A synopsis of Perpetrator has been provided by Dread Central.

Details for the film remain tightly under wraps. But, based on this synopsis, Perpetrator looks to join the recently-released Run Sweetheart Run in depicting a revenge story that touches on ideas of empowerment and individuality.

“Written and directed by Reeder, Perpetrator follows Jonny (McKirnan), a wild and impulsive teenage girl living precariously in a town where young women continue to go missing, and the power she’s forced to unlock to survive. At its core, a horror film inspired by the shared experience of generations of women, Perpetrator is equal parts modern mythmaking, a thrilling story of revenge, and an extraordinary exploration of youthful chaos.”

We can glean some more details from Perpetrator’s promotional images. Jonny’s rebellious nature may have led her into some kind of private school: she can be seen sitting with a dozen or so other teenagers in ties and suit jackets with matching insignias. It’d be the perfect setting for “youthful chaos” to run wild.

The most striking promotional image released so far is one of leading actress Kiah McKirnan. Her face is stained with slick blood in a kaleidoscopic void made of her own fierce visage. Whether the “power she’s forced to unlock” is metaphorical or, more likely, a supernatural power, it’s a stark contrast to the casual appearance among her peers.

A report by Variety highlighted Reeder’s enthusiasm for the film as she spoke about women’s relationship with the horror genre as a whole.

From what Reeder said, we can expect Perpetrator to take a subtle approach to ideas of “standing out” from the crowd under the guise of a horror film, one that may further explore themes tackled in Reeder’s previous film, Knives and Skin. While Knives and Skin took an experimental approach to how a woman’s disappearance affected those around her, Perpetrator looks to be more practical in comparison.

“This is a significant moment for women working in genre films. . . Women are very well suited for horror in particular — we have a personal relationship to fear from a very young age, and are able to bleed for days and not die. This film in particular takes on the myth of the out-of-control teen girl — the wild child. In this story, she has agency in her lawlessness and embraces her abject nature. ‘Perpetrator’ is dark but feminine, a nuanced noir, a grrrl power take on modern horror.”

Perpetrator: The Cast & Crew

The leading role of Jonny will be played by Kiah McKirnan, an actor who played a main role in Prime Video’s short-lived series, Night Sky, in addition to HBO’s Mare of Easttown.

Alongside McKirnan with be Alicia Silverstone, whose career in acting has twisted and turned in every sort of direction: from music videos to lighthearted comedies, comic adaptations to dramas, and ultimately, horror films. Aside from a recent guest spot in the latest season of American Horror Stories, Silverstone has also appeared in The Lodge, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and 1995’s The Babysitter.

Melanie Liburd, Ireon Roach, and Casimere Jollette are also confirmed to be a part of the cast. Liburd is primarily known for her work in television, with roles spanning across Dark Matter, This is Us, and Power Book II: Ghost. Roach, on the other hand, played a role in 2021’s remake/continuation of the Candyman franchise. Jollette played a leading role in Netflix’s ballet-themed series Tiny Pretty Things.

Perpetrator will be both written and directed by Jennifer Reeder, who previously directed horror films Night’s End and Knives and Skin. She also contributed the segment “Holy Hell” for V/H/S/94. Perpetrator will mark Reeder’s third acquisition by Shudder, if we include her V/H/S/94 segment, with future films of hers likely to continue debuting on the streaming service.

Release Date

     Netflix

Perpetrator is currently set to release on Shudder sometime in 2023, though no specific date is available.