In the world of horror cinema, it’s rare to find projects that generate such anticipation even before filming begins. The Raven’s Circle, the new movie by blind director Mason Ewing, is one of those exceptions. Shrouded in mystery, this film promises to immerse audiences in a whirlwind of terror, where the past and present intertwine in a chilling way.
Mason Ewing, a businessman and multi-talented director, has managed to bring together an impressive team to bring this ambitious project to life. The team includes names like Carl Graves from the legendary band Oingo Boingo, who will compose an original score designed specifically to heighten the suspense. Stephanie Michelle Neil, Director of Photography and screenwriter, co-wrote the script with Ewing and brought her expertise and sharp sense of suspense to the American-Cameroonian director, who relocated to the United States less than a year ago, to craft a chilling story.
One of the reasons that piques curiosity is Ewing’s approach. Blind since childhood, he has developed an exceptional emotional and auditory sensitivity, which he plans to fully utilize in this film. He has stated that he wants to create a feature where sound plays a pivotal role. He wants blind audiences to also experience the terror through sound, unsettling silences, and an intricately crafted soundscape. A film that, in his words, “will make even those who live in darkness tremble.”
The story of The Raven’s Circle takes place over two time periods: in 1965, a young Frenchman named Arthur travels to the United States to improve his English but gets caught up in a terrifying adventure deep within a mysterious forest. Fifty years later, a dying journalist decides to reveal the terrible secrets of those events to Arthur’s half-sister, pulling the audience into a spiral of suspense and chills. This interplay between eras is one of the film’s unique features, and thanks to the talent of Samantha Kuester, a renowned Hollywood costume designer, the past and present will come to life with remarkable accuracy.
The technical and artistic team has been carefully selected to ensure that every detail, every element, contributes to creating an atmosphere of unparalleled terror. Stephanie Michelle Neil, with her talent for suspenseful storytelling, and Milan Ewing, who’s overseeing the editing with his company Prestige Capture, will ensure that every scene, every shot, is a crescendo of tension. On top of that, the makeup will be handled by Vittorio Sodano, whose work has earned him two Oscar nominations, including for Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto.
The lead cast includes French talent from Mason Ewing’s team. Louis Lopez will play Arthur Laurent, the young Frenchman whose arrival in the U.S. marks the beginning of a never-ending nightmare. Baba Wild will portray Johnny, also known as “Black Crow,” a mysterious and dangerous figure, while Zacharie Malek will play Chris, nicknamed “The New Jack,” another ominous character in this dark adventure. Finally, Eric April will take on the role of Anthony Simon, Arthur’s cousin. But that’s not all, as American celebrities have also joined the cast! American actor John Blyth Barrymore, from the famous Barrymore dynasty, will play Jordan Sawyer, an old man who holds dark secrets tied to the cursed forest. According to the project’s producer, other well-known names, such as Eric Roberts and Rico Simonini, are also in the lineup.
Even before filming begins, The Raven’s Circle has already attracted the attention of several international distributors, including the Enorama group, which will handle the film’s distribution in European and Asian markets.
Speculation is running wild. What is The Raven’s Circle really hiding? How will Mason Ewing and his team manage to create this unique atmosphere, capable of frightening all audiences, both sighted and blind? One thing is certain: this film won’t leave anyone indifferent, with its promise of intense thrills that makes you want to know more. A journey into the heart of fear, where every sound, every image, might just haunt the mind long after the final credits roll.
Suspense, mystery, and chills guaranteed… The Raven’s Circle is shaping up to be a new out-of-this-world entry in the horror genre.