press release
A GRIPPING TALE OF
FAITH, FEAR, AND THE DARKNESS WITHIN
THE SEVERED SUN
FROM DIRECTOR DEAN PUCKETT
Coming to Theaters + VOD/Digital Platforms
May 16th from Dark Sky Films
SYNOPSIS:
In the heart of an isolated religious community, The Pastor delivers his fervent sermons to a devoted congregation. But dark secrets fester. In the depths of the forest, The Pastor's daughter, Magpie, takes desperate action, ending the life of her abusive husband. Little does she know, his murder will unleash a malevolent force—a mysterious beast with shimmering white eyes.
As weeks pass, suspicion and paranoia grip the community, with accusatory fingers pointed at Magpie. The Pastor struggles to restore Magpie’s dwindling faith, and he is unable to bring her back into “The Truth.” Faith is fragile, and Magpie is hell bent on rebelling against the hypocrisy of her father.
When the Beast leaves a trail of gruesome carnage, a brutal witch hunt ignites. In this gripping tale of faith, fear, and the darkness within, friendships crumble, loyalties are tested, and the community hurtles toward self-destruction.
In the heart of an isolated religious community, The Pastor delivers his fervent sermons to a devoted congregation. But dark secrets fester. In the depths of the forest, The Pastor's daughter, Magpie, takes desperate action, ending the life of her abusive husband. Little does she know, his murder will unleash a malevolent force—a mysterious beast with shimmering white eyes.
As weeks pass, suspicion and paranoia grip the community, with accusatory fingers pointed at Magpie. The Pastor struggles to restore Magpie’s dwindling faith, and he is unable to bring her back into “The Truth.” Faith is fragile, and Magpie is hell bent on rebelling against the hypocrisy of her father.
When the Beast leaves a trail of gruesome carnage, a brutal witch hunt ignites. In this gripping tale of faith, fear, and the darkness within, friendships crumble, loyalties are tested, and the community hurtles toward self-destruction.
Directed & Written by: Dean Puckett (shorts: The Sermon, The Devil's Footprints, Satan's Bite: or The Foolishness of the Witchfinder Thomas Eastchurch)
Produced by: Rebecca Wolff & Jude Goldrei
Cast: Emma Appleton (The Witcher, Pistol, LOLA, The Killing Kind), Toby Stephens (Lost In Space), Jodhi May (The Silent Twins), Lewis Gribben (T2 Trainspotting, Limbo, Masters of the Air), Barney Harris (The Wheel of Time, The Hollow Crown, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Oliver Maltman (Another Year), and James Swanton (Dashcam, Host)
Genre: Folk Horror
Distributor: Dark Sky Films
Run Time: 80 minutes
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING...
"The Severed Sun is a solid entry in folk horror canon, with a clear message and some impressive effects work and a strong central performance."
- BLOODY DISGUSTING
"The Severed Sun is a deeply immersive and atmospheric folk horror in the truest, traditional sense... It’s an auteur’s work – a beautifully considered movie in which all its key components work in harmony."
- THE GEEK SHOW
"Aficionados of folk horror films should find The Severed Sun to be a compelling slice of cinema."
- HORROR FUEL
"Dean Puckett’s debut as a director is visually stunning, with gorgeous shots that capture the eerie, haunting beauty of the countryside. The film nails the creepy atmosphere, with dark woodlands and an oppressive religious setting adding to the tension and growing sense of dread. This movie is chilling to watch, just from the visuals alone."
- SCREEN ZEALOTS
"The Severed Sun is a gripping addition to the folk horror pantheon, with standout performances, stunning, cinematography, and a chilling exploration of the dangers of absolute religious power. Fans of the genre will delight in its slow-burn tension and immersive atmosphere."
- THE HORROR REVOLUTION
Produced by: Rebecca Wolff & Jude Goldrei
Cast: Emma Appleton (The Witcher, Pistol, LOLA, The Killing Kind), Toby Stephens (Lost In Space), Jodhi May (The Silent Twins), Lewis Gribben (T2 Trainspotting, Limbo, Masters of the Air), Barney Harris (The Wheel of Time, The Hollow Crown, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Oliver Maltman (Another Year), and James Swanton (Dashcam, Host)
Genre: Folk Horror
Distributor: Dark Sky Films
Run Time: 80 minutes
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING...
"The Severed Sun is a solid entry in folk horror canon, with a clear message and some impressive effects work and a strong central performance."
- BLOODY DISGUSTING
"The Severed Sun is a deeply immersive and atmospheric folk horror in the truest, traditional sense... It’s an auteur’s work – a beautifully considered movie in which all its key components work in harmony."
- THE GEEK SHOW
"Aficionados of folk horror films should find The Severed Sun to be a compelling slice of cinema."
- HORROR FUEL
"Dean Puckett’s debut as a director is visually stunning, with gorgeous shots that capture the eerie, haunting beauty of the countryside. The film nails the creepy atmosphere, with dark woodlands and an oppressive religious setting adding to the tension and growing sense of dread. This movie is chilling to watch, just from the visuals alone."
- SCREEN ZEALOTS
"The Severed Sun is a gripping addition to the folk horror pantheon, with standout performances, stunning, cinematography, and a chilling exploration of the dangers of absolute religious power. Fans of the genre will delight in its slow-burn tension and immersive atmosphere."
- THE HORROR REVOLUTION
About Dark Sky Films
Dark Sky Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPI Media Group, is an independent genre film production and distribution label founded in 2008. Dark Sky Films works with emerging talent as well as established veterans to develop, produce and finance feature films and episodic television projects. Representing films from some of most talented directors working today, such as Ti West’s The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, and Jim Mickle’s Stake Land, Dark Sky continues to identify original talent and projects to bring a vibrant slate of films to the world market, with original productions and releases such as Girl on the Third Floor, We Are Still Here, Deathgasm, Emelie, Catfight, Darlin’, Bliss and most recently, The Dark and 1BR. | Follow us on twitter: @darkskyfilms @mpimediagroup
Dark Sky Films, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPI Media Group, is an independent genre film production and distribution label founded in 2008. Dark Sky Films works with emerging talent as well as established veterans to develop, produce and finance feature films and episodic television projects. Representing films from some of most talented directors working today, such as Ti West’s The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, and Jim Mickle’s Stake Land, Dark Sky continues to identify original talent and projects to bring a vibrant slate of films to the world market, with original productions and releases such as Girl on the Third Floor, We Are Still Here, Deathgasm, Emelie, Catfight, Darlin’, Bliss and most recently, The Dark and 1BR. | Follow us on twitter: @darkskyfilms @mpimediagroup
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