Uncork’d Entertainment has unleashed THE BEAST INSIDE, a powerful, female-driven horror film, On Digital and On Demand. This demonic horror breaks new ground with its focus on a fierce female protagonist who refuses to be victimized by the dark forces that threaten her and her family.
Written by and starring horror veteran Sadie Katz, known for Wrong Turn 6: The Last Resort, the Blood Feast remake, and The Amityville Harvest, THE BEAST INSIDE tells the story of Anne, a woman possessed by a demonic entity. When no one believes her, Anne is forced to take matters into her own hands and perform an exorcism on herself, all while desperately trying to protect her young son from the evil threatening their lives.
Katz’s portrayal of Anne is a tour de force of strength and resilience as she battles both the demon and the disbelief surrounding her. The film poignantly explores the terrifying reality that women, like Anne, are often dismissed or disbelieved in moments of crisis, amplifying the horror of her fight for survival. It also delves into the theme of generational trauma, as Anne is not only battling the demonic forces threatening her, but also struggling to protect her son from the same dark legacy that haunts her.
“In 2023, female representation in film hit a ten-year low, despite women helming major blockbusters. Independent films, particularly in horror, allow women to play more than just the girlfriend or wife,” says Katz. “As a mother, I feared passing on addiction or mental illness to my son, which inspired the idea of a family demon—exploring both guilt and fear. I love exorcism films because they feel the most real, but I’ve never seen a self-exorcism movie, and that fresh take on the genre excites me.”
Directed by Jim Towns (Killer Ex), THE BEAST INSIDEalso stars Vernon Wells (Mad Max) and Laurene Landon (Argamon’s Gate). Katz, who co-wrote the screenplay with Towns, also produced the film through her company See You Next Tuesday Films, which she founded to create stories with strong, complex female characters in horror. Katz’s mission is to redefine female representation in the genre, showcasing women who stand and fight rather than fall into stereotypical roles.
Additionally, Randy Edelman, renowned for his iconic scores in blockbuster films such as The Mask, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, and Anaconda, joined THE BEAST INSIDE as the composer, bringing his legendary touch to the horror thriller. With decades of experience crafting unforgettable soundscapes, Edelman’s involvement elevated the film’s emotional and atmospheric intensity.
“Uncork’d Entertainment is thrilled to bring The Beast Inside to audiences, not only as a gripping, edge-of-your-seat horror film but also as a fresh, empowering take on the genre,” says Keith Leopard, President of Uncork’d Entertainment. “This is more than just another possession story—The Beast Inside is a reimagined narrative driven by a fearless heroine who fights for her destiny.”
Produced by Sadie Katz and Jim Towns, the film’s executive producers are Johnny Pasquale and Mario Reyes, with Jimmy Star and Eileen Shapiro serving as co-producers.
Sadie Katz is not only a luminous actress and producer but has also directed and written for films. She is also a documentarian known for the documentary “The Bill Murray Experience.” Some of her others movies include: Bus Party To Hell, Last Resort, Blood Feast, Scorned, Clown Fear, and a parade of others. I caught Sadie in between several projects and taking care of her two year old son Gideon and had a conversation with her about “The Beast Inside.”
When originally exploring the concept of The Beast Inside, and of self- exorcism, and the idea of having a strong leading female, how did you finally put the 3 concepts together to make it work?
As a Mother, I have to say there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect my sons- I’d wrestle a bear with my teeth if I had to! When Towns and I discussed making an exorcism film, we first talked about what hadn’t yet been done. The idea that there hadn’t ever been a self-exorcism movie really excited both of us. Having it be a mother who was forced to exorcise herself to save her son just seemed like a natural progression to the concept.
What was most important to you while producing this film?
I really wanted to give the audience a fun ride. I know this sounds overly simple but so many indie horror films I’ve seen fail to tell a story. I wanted a clear beginning, middle and end with characters that actually told the story. I’m a big story teller- and I wanted to tell a story that was worth repeating.
Do you have a personally favorite scene and if so what makes it special to you?
As an actor I’m always looking for times when the camera disappears and I’m just in the scene… like I can feel the character’s heart beating with mine. When Anne’s saying good-bye and thanking the priest played so fabulously by Vernon Wells- I could barely say the line because my heart was breaking. When the director yelled cut, I actually ran out of the room crying. I have to say I was a little embarrassed because in that moment I had fully lost myself – almost nirvana to an actor.
As a producer I absolutely love all the church scenes. We had already been shooting for a week and I realized that we were missing the spirituality. Originally, at the top of the movie, Anne was going to be at home and get the call about her mother passing (played by the thrilling Laurene Landon). There was some real push back adding another location on the second week in shooting but I’m so grateful I dug my heels in to get the church- which also was a solution for the other world.
Knowing what you know after the fact, is there anything you would have done differently?
Oh gosh, I have a list of things! Which is good, right? You hope to learn with each project! Two things stick out the most- one is I should have had a substantial amount for P&A for the distribution. Facebook ADs, Instagram AD, Tik Tok etc… the first company we had for distribution I wasn’t worried about. When we switched companies I think we relied on their PR team but I think Ads are the way to go in this market. I also would have had money set aside to submit to horror festivals and would have given it a real festival run.
All of the female roles promote feminine strength. How does this movie compare to other horror movies in regard to strong women?
One of the things I appreciate most about the horror genre is what kick ass female representation is part of the genre. Beyond being you know, hot final girls or kicking ass girls I think A24 wasn’t afraid to tell female centric stories that weren’t just “hot, young tough girls” but stories of women period.
What do you think makes this movie different than other movies in this genre?
I really love the intimacy in this script. This is a story of a woman’s struggle with this huge other worldly force but it’s still just her story of wrestling with her demons. I love that it’s a small story but in a larger world.
You have starred in, produced, and had a lot of experience in the horror genre. How does this movie compare to others you have dealt with as far as challenges and triumphs?
Producing is hard! It’s impossible to make everyone happy all the time. I’m very A type and I’m a big goal setter and it’s hard to not have everyone really stoked with you when you feel you’re giving it all you possible can. There’s also a lot you cannot control. The only thing you can do is just keep moving forward and hoping you convince everyone to stick with the end goal. We had two big screening one in LA and one in NY those were thrilling nights that will always be something I’m proud of and grateful for.
Will there be a sequel?
I do feel like there’s some places to go with the sequel that also give us a chance to expand the world and thrills.
Watch the trailer for The Beast Inside here:
The Beast Inside is available on Amazon Prime, Xbox, iTunes, Fandango, Vudu, Apple TV and more…..
Photos Provided by Uncork’d Entertainment and Bee Claudia
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