Practical effects have always had a special place in horror, especially when it comes to delivering a gruesome on-screen kill. The upcoming indie horror-thriller Dead of Night looks to embrace that old-school approach, and a newly released behind-the-scenes clip offers a closer look at the blood, guts, and in-camera effects bringing its carnage to life.
Directed by Derek Sulek, Dead of Night stars Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding, About Schmidt), Scott Grimes (Ted, Oppenheimer), Jake Busey (Stranger Things, Rust), and Kirrilee Berger (Unsung Hero). Professional wrestling legend and Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho (Terrifier 2, Terrifier 3, Dexter) serves as an executive producer.
WATCH THE NEW CLIP FOR “DEAD OF NIGHT” BELOW
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Set in the quiet community of Elmwood Heights, the story begins when the mutilated body of a teenage girl is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town. The newly elected mayor attempts to calm the growing panic by organizing a neighborhood watch, but the killings continue. Sheriff Weaver, played by Mulroney, finds himself racing to identify the murderer as fear spreads throughout the community. Meanwhile, his daughter Kelly, portrayed by Berger, begins investigating the disturbing pattern of violence and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the killer’s motives.
Sulek co-wrote the screenplay with Eric Durham. The film was produced by Oren Kamara, Sulek, and Dan Sheldon, with Jijo Reed serving as co-producer.
For those of us who grew up in the Los Angeles area during the 80s, it was a scary time. Richard Ramirez, aka The Night Stalker, was terrorizing the local populace, and everyone was in a state of fear and paranoia. His killings would go down in history as some of the most brutal and disturbing acts in the annals of true crime. Dead Of Night is aiming to harness some of that fear. Filmed locally under Fade to Black Films in association with ZMA Films, the movie draws inspiration from the fear that gripped the city during those very scary times in Los Angeles.
“Dead of Night was inspired in part by the fear that gripped Los Angeles during the Night Stalker era, so making the film here gave it an authenticity we couldn’t manufacture somewhere else. We’re incredibly proud of the local cast and crew who brought it to life and are excited to now bring an independent, LA-made horror film to audiences across the country,” the creative team shared in a statement.
Level 33 Entertainment recently acquired the film and is bringing it to theaters across the country in a limited theatrical run. The company is handling distribution in the United States and Canada, with Dead of Night opening in AMC theaters on November 13, 2026. Tickets are already on sale.
