press release
she lost the weight ... but she can't escape herself!
Philadelphia, PA – April 10, 2026 – Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the North American release of the highly anticipated horror film Thinestra, set to premiere on streaming platforms on April 14, 2026. Directed by Nathan Hertz and produced by Alexandra Lubenova and Kelly Parker, the film has already made waves on the international festival circuit, including screenings at Sitges International Film Festival, Raindance, Screamfest, Boston SciFi Film Festival, and more, earning the VORTEX Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Award Grand Prize along the way.
Producer Alexandra Lubenova shared her excitement for the release:
"We're thrilled to partner with Breaking Glass Pictures on the North American release of Thinestra. They're a trusted home for elevated genre titles and immediately understood the film's place within a new wave of body horror centered on appetite, desire, and costly physical transformation. Their release strategy is thoughtful and ambitious, and we can't wait for audiences to devour the film when it premieres this April."
A New Wave of Body Horror
Thinestra tells the story of Penny (Michelle Macedo), a young woman tormented by body dysmorphia and relentless societal pressures around perfection. When Penny impulsively takes a mysterious, Ozempic-esque weight-loss drug, she experiences a horrifyingly literal transformation. The fat she sheds returns as her ravenous doppelgänger, Penelope (Melissa Macedo), and chaos ensues.
Set against a sweltering Los Angeles Christmas, the film explores obsession, shame, and appetite—transforming Penny’s internal struggle into a grotesque, darkly comedic horror spectacle.
Director Nathan Hertz explains:
"Body-image anxiety becomes a literal monster in this story. Penelope isn’t the villain—she’s the symptom. The real antagonist is the voice in Penny’s head that tells her she’s not enough. The film exaggerates these anxieties to grotesque levels but the feelings are incredibly common."
Critics Are Taking Notice
The film has already garnered strong praise from critics.
In a 4/5 star review for UpcomingOnScreen.com, Scott Gilliland writes:
"Obsession with perfection is a cruel thing that humans suffer with, and in Thinestra, we are given a tragedy, a blood soaked terrific tragedy. See this at the first opportunity."
Gilliland particularly highlighted the performances of twin actresses and , calling them “difficult to manage, yet both are able to do so, and by ensuring that we always feel sympathy for Penny, they more than succeed in their performances.”
Streaming Release
Thinestra will premiere on North American streaming platforms on April 14, 2026. Prepare for a film that is equal parts grotesque horror, dark comedy, and psychological insight—one that will linger long after the credits roll.
A Talented Ensemble Cast:
Festival Accolades:
Press Details:
Production Details:
Producer Alexandra Lubenova shared her excitement for the release:
"We're thrilled to partner with Breaking Glass Pictures on the North American release of Thinestra. They're a trusted home for elevated genre titles and immediately understood the film's place within a new wave of body horror centered on appetite, desire, and costly physical transformation. Their release strategy is thoughtful and ambitious, and we can't wait for audiences to devour the film when it premieres this April."
A New Wave of Body Horror
Thinestra tells the story of Penny (Michelle Macedo), a young woman tormented by body dysmorphia and relentless societal pressures around perfection. When Penny impulsively takes a mysterious, Ozempic-esque weight-loss drug, she experiences a horrifyingly literal transformation. The fat she sheds returns as her ravenous doppelgänger, Penelope (Melissa Macedo), and chaos ensues.
Set against a sweltering Los Angeles Christmas, the film explores obsession, shame, and appetite—transforming Penny’s internal struggle into a grotesque, darkly comedic horror spectacle.
Director Nathan Hertz explains:
"Body-image anxiety becomes a literal monster in this story. Penelope isn’t the villain—she’s the symptom. The real antagonist is the voice in Penny’s head that tells her she’s not enough. The film exaggerates these anxieties to grotesque levels but the feelings are incredibly common."
Critics Are Taking Notice
The film has already garnered strong praise from critics.
In a 4/5 star review for UpcomingOnScreen.com, Scott Gilliland writes:
"Obsession with perfection is a cruel thing that humans suffer with, and in Thinestra, we are given a tragedy, a blood soaked terrific tragedy. See this at the first opportunity."
Gilliland particularly highlighted the performances of twin actresses and , calling them “difficult to manage, yet both are able to do so, and by ensuring that we always feel sympathy for Penny, they more than succeed in their performances.”
Streaming Release
Thinestra will premiere on North American streaming platforms on April 14, 2026. Prepare for a film that is equal parts grotesque horror, dark comedy, and psychological insight—one that will linger long after the credits roll.
A Talented Ensemble Cast:
- Michelle Macedo (Penny) – Known for her work in High Potential, Goliath & Girlboss, Michelle brings both vulnerability and grit to Penny, grounding the film’s fantastical horror in emotional authenticity.
- Melissa Macedo (Penelope) – Michelle’s identical twin, Melissa embodies the grotesque and chaotic counterpart to Penny, making the doppelgänger dynamic truly uncanny.
- Gavin Stenhouse (Josh) – Recognized for roles in Black Mirror, The Oval and 9-1-1, Stenhouse brings depth and tension to the film’s supporting narrative.
- Shannon Dang (Chaela) – Known for her work in Kung Fu & Jump Scare, Dang provides both warmth and intensity as Penny’s friend navigating the unfolding horror.
- Norma Maldonado (Amanda) – With a career spanning stage and screen, Maldonado delivers a compelling presence that heightens the film’s stakes.
- Brian Huskey (Neils) – Beloved for roles in Another Period, Vice Principals & Childrens Hospital, Huskey adds both comedic timing and sharp social commentary.
- Annie Ilonzeh (Demetria) – From Chicago Med & SWAT to indie features, Ilonzeh brings poise and subtle tension to her role.
- Mary Beth Barone (Mariah) – Barone’s nuanced performance complements the chaos that Penny and Penelope unleash. Best known for performances in series such as Black Mirror & Overcompensating.
Festival Accolades:
- Sitges International Film Festival
- Raindance Film Festival
- Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival
- Screamfest Film Festival
- Yellowstone International Film Festival
- Buenos Aires Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente
- Boston SciFi Film Festival
- Festival do Rio
- FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival
- VORTEX Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror Award Grand Prize
Press Details:
- Official Trailer: Watch Trailer Here
- IMDb Page: Thinestra IMDb
Production Details:
- Production Year: 2025
- Genre: Horror
- Language: English
- Production Country: US
- Production Company: Dogplayer, Hitmakers Media, Mary Ellen Moffat, Stay Lucky Studio
- Runtime: 1:27:41
About Breaking Glass Pictures:
Founded in 2009 and based in Philadelphia, Breaking Glass Pictures is a leading independent film distribution company focused on delivering thought-provoking, inclusive, and impactful films to audiences worldwide. With a strong history of championing LGBTQ+ cinema, documentaries, and bold independent features, Breaking Glass proudly supports visionary storytellers who challenge convention and spotlight underrepresented voices.
Founded in 2009 and based in Philadelphia, Breaking Glass Pictures is a leading independent film distribution company focused on delivering thought-provoking, inclusive, and impactful films to audiences worldwide. With a strong history of championing LGBTQ+ cinema, documentaries, and bold independent features, Breaking Glass proudly supports visionary storytellers who challenge convention and spotlight underrepresented voices.
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