True horror lies in anticipation, in what you imagine rather than what you see. The unknown is more terrifying than anything.
These words from James Wan, the master of horror cinema and creator of the acclaimed Conjuring saga, perfectly encapsulate Mason Ewing’s vision. This American-Cameroonian director, who is visually impaired and outspoken, is preparing to make a dramatic entrance into the Hollywood scene with The Raven’s Circle, a horror film set to be shot in Los Angeles in 2025. After exclusive discussions with his team, our editorial staff discovered the unique perspective of this filmmaker, who refuses to let his disability hold him back. On the contrary, he uses it as an asset to send chills down his audience’s spine.
The Raven’s Circle has already piqued the interest of several American stars, including Eric Roberts, a prominent actor recently seen in Dancing With the Stars on ABC, and John Blythe Barrymore, Drew Barrymore’s half-brother. These popular figures will feature in the cast alongside many seasoned talents. Among them is Vittorio Sodano, a two-time Oscar-nominated makeup artist for Apocalypto and Il Divo. With such a prestigious team, anticipation is high. But why does Mason Ewing believe horror should favor subtlety over gore?
The story of The Raven’s Circle plunges viewers into the torment of Jordan Sawyer, haunted by terrifying events that occurred in the Kiston Black forest. Despite his efforts to bury these memories, nightmares resurface, manifested through chilling visions. Ashley Baker, the half-sister of Arthur, one of the youths who vanished in this forest fifty years earlier, also grapples with deep regrets and the sorrow of never knowing what happened to her brother. Together, they embark on a journey into the heart of the forest, which becomes an introspective odyssey. As they confront their fears and buried traumas, they uncover supernatural phenomena while waging an internal battle against their demons.
The Raven’s Circle is steeped in an atmosphere where mystery and psychology take precedence, playing with the contrast between two eras: 1965 and 2015. In 1965, four youths—Arthur, Anthony, Chris (nicknamed “The New Jack”), and Johnny (known as “Black Crow”)—venture into the depths of Kiston Black forest, a place where death seems to reside. The film delves into how the ghosts of the past haunt those left behind. Thus, the horror of The Raven’s Circle arises not so much from supernatural forces as from the dark truths that consume the characters from within.
Ewing, who also serves as the screenwriter and producer of the film, aims to steer clear of traditional clichés. His goal is to highlight themes such as memory repression and the impact of unresolved fears on the present. Every detail—the cursed forest, the omnipresent ravens, the terrifying visions—has been carefully designed, not to shock, but to build an oppressive tension that evolves throughout the narrative.
Unlike many horror films, The Raven’s Circle offers genuine character development. The filmmaker is dedicated to portraying realistic protagonists who face trials that force them to confront their inner demons. This will be a significant challenge for Eric Roberts, John Blythe Barrymore, Louis Lopez, Eric April, Baba Wild, Zacharie Malek, and the rest of the cast, who must bring all the intensity and fear inherent in the story to life on screen.
Through this project, Mason Ewing raises existential questions: Can we ever truly escape our past, or are we doomed to carry it like a shadow? Thankfully, we have until 2025 to ponder this question as we eagerly await the much-anticipated release of The Raven’s Circle.