Horror aficionados, rejoice! Osgood Perkins, the mastermind behind The Blackcoat's Daughter and Longlegs, is gearing up to deliver another spine-tingling experience with Keeper. Slated for release on October 3, 2025, this film promises to blend psychological terror with Perkins' signature atmospheric dread. But what makes Keeper stand out in a sea of horror flicks? Let's dive in.
The Premise:
Keeper follows a couple, played by Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Rossif Sutherland (Reign), as they retreat to a secluded cabin for a romantic anniversary weekend. What starts as a tranquil escape quickly spirals into a nightmare when an unspeakable evil begins to unravel the cabin's horrifying secrets. Perkins, known for his ability to weave tension and unease, seems to be doubling down on his knack for slow-burn horror.
Behind the Scenes:
Perkins, the eldest son of Psycho legend Anthony Perkins, has carved out a niche for himself in the horror genre. His films often explore themes of isolation, trauma, and the supernatural, and Keeper appears to be no exception. Interestingly, Perkins didn't let the 2023 WGA strikes slow him down. He hired non-WGA writer Nick Lepard to pen the screenplay, and the film wrapped production in just three weeks during August 2024. With a budget under $8 million, Keeper continues Perkins' trend of creating high-impact horror on a shoestring budget.
A Busy Year for Perkins:
2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for Perkins. His latest film, The Monkey, an adaptation of a Stephen King short story, is set to hit theaters earlier in the year. Known for its over-the-top gore and dark humor, The Monkey is already generating buzz, with an expected $14 million opening weekend. Both films are distributed by Neon, a studio that has become synonymous with bold, auteur-driven horror.
The Cast:
Tatiana Maslany, a chameleon-like actress who captivated audiences in Orphan Black, brings her formidable talent to Keeper. Paired with Rossif Sutherland, whose brooding intensity has made him a standout in projects like Reign and Hyena Road, the duo promises to deliver a gripping performance. Perkins has a knack for drawing out raw, emotional performances from his actors, and Keeper seems poised to continue that tradition.
What to Expect:
If The Blackcoat's Daughter and Longlegs are any indication, Keeper will likely be a slow, unsettling burn rather than a jump-scare fest. Perkins excels at creating an atmosphere of dread, using sound design, cinematography, and pacing to keep audiences on edge. The secluded cabin setting is a classic horror trope, but if anyone can breathe new life into it, it's Perkins.
Conclusion
Osgood Perkins is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in modern horror. With Keeper, he's poised to deliver another haunting, thought-provoking film that will linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll. As we count down to October 3, 2025, one thing is clear: Perkins is a filmmaker who understands the power of fear—and how to wield it masterfully.
Personal Impressions
As a fan of Perkins' work, I'm thrilled to see him continue to push the boundaries of horror. His ability to blend psychological depth with visceral scares is unparalleled, and Keeper seems like another step forward in his evolution as a filmmaker. That said, I'm curious to see how he balances the film's tight budget with his ambitious vision. Will Keeper live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but if Perkins' track record is anything to go by, we're in for a treat.
What do you think makes Osgood Perkins' films stand out in the crowded horror genre? Are you excited for Keeper, or do you think he's overhyped? Let's discuss!