PiperFilm unveils ‘Beasts of Prey’ at AFM starring Carolyn Bracken

A new horror saga begins

The burgeoning Italian production company PiperFilm is making significant waves at this year’s AFM, launching sales for their English-language psychological horror gem, “Beasts of Prey”. Starring the versatile Carolyn Bracken, the film delves into the depths of human nature through a terrifying lens.

Rising star Carolyn Bracken

Bracken, who gained widespread recognition for her riveting portrayal of a blind protagonist in Damian McCarthy’s chilling movie “Oddity“, redefines her craft yet again in this new project. As the lead in “Beasts of Prey”, she steps into the shoes of a wealthy art collector whose life is abruptly torn apart by an unimaginable tragedy.

Synopsis: Awakening the primal nature

Written with an intricate blend of psychological terror and raw emotion, “Beasts of Prey” explores the protagonist’s descent into primal instincts. According to the film’s synopsis, Bracken’s character, devastated by unbearable pain, taps into an instinctive and primordial nature. This newly awakened force drives her to dismantle her privileged existence and redefine her concept of family.

“Destroyed by this unbearable pain, an instinctive and primordial nature awakens in her that will lead her to destroy her privileged life and build a new idea of family,” the synopsis reads.

This thematic confrontation between rationality and the innate animalistic side of human nature forms the crux of the movie. It promises to be a complex and thrilling narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Filming in picturesque Italy

Set against the backdrop of Lombardy and Piedmont, the visual aesthetic of “Beasts of Prey” is poised to captivate. These northern regions of Italy provide the perfect environment for a film that is as visually compelling as it is narratively engaging.

Veteran cast and a promising director

Joining Bracken on this cinematic journey is Caroline Goodall, a seasoned actress known for her roles in critically acclaimed films such as “Schindler’s List“ and “The Fabelmans“. Her inclusion adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the project.

The film marks the feature directorial debut of Andrea Corsini, an Italian filmmaker whose original short film of the same name premiered during the 2019 Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week. Corsini’s vision has evolved into a full-length feature, promising an expansion of the haunting themes and stylistic elements that initially garnered critical attention.

Leadership and production

The international sales unit at PiperFilm, launched at Cannes last May, is under the strategic leadership of Catia Rossi. With her extensive experience from prestigious companies like Vision Distribution and RAI Com, Rossi terms “Beasts of Prey” a high-profile horror film that includes a standout performance by Bracken and boasts superior production quality.

Innovative production strategy

The film’s expansion from a short to a feature-length endeavor highlights a growing trend in the horror genre. Producing a short film first can be a strategy to test concepts and secure funding based on initial success. This method also provides valuable insights into audience reception and can build buzz within film circles, aiding the transition to a larger format.

Cutting-edge special effects

Producing and servicing the project are Francesco Grisi and Giorgia Priolo from EDI Effetti Digitali Italiani—the effects company renowned for its award-winning work on Steven Zaillian’s series “Ripley“. This collaboration ensures that “Beasts of Prey” will deliver top-tier special effects, enhancing its horror elements with realistic, spine-chilling visuals.

Italian debut and international anticipation

Adler Entertainment, a major player in Italy’s film distribution scene, is planning to release “Beasts of Prey”—titled “Ferine” in Italy—in 2025.

A new era for Italian horror

“Beasts of Prey” signifies a bold step for PiperFilm and the Italian movie industry. This endeavor not only showcases Italian talent in the context of a globally appealing narrative but also demonstrates the capacity for complex and nuanced storytelling in modern horror cinema.

As filming progresses and the anticipation builds, “Beasts of Prey” will undoubtedly be on the radar of horror aficionados and casual viewers alike. Follow the updates closely to witness the evolution of this thrilling journey and share your excitement on social media. Stay tuned for more insights into the latest trends and groundbreaking projects in the world of cinema.