Ride the Black Chariot: A Hitchcockian Horror of Vengeance and Retribution
Hex Studios is excited to announce Black Chariot, an intense and deeply disturbing supernatural horror directed by Lawrie Brewster (Lord of Tears, The Unkindness of Ravens), inspired by the macabre genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Drawing from Hitchcock’s dark thrillers like Rebecca (1942) and Psycho (1960), Brewster seeks to invoke Hitchcock’s spirit, combined with his love of classic film noir and Val Lewton’s atmospheric slow-burn horrors.
Director Lawrie Brewster shared, “My childhood was spent haunted and mesmerized by the romantic and seductive veil Hitchcock cast over me. It shaped my vision of horror, sensuality, and my understanding of fear and obsession. I am thrilled to finally produce a horror film that combines my love for the genre with inspirations drawn from his incomparable genius. Creating a period film and a love letter to that era, in a portrayal of horror that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is terrifying, is a dream come true.”
Starring in Black Chariot is none other than Laurence R. Harvey of The Human Centipede series, in an intense dramatic role that may evoke comparisons with Peter Lorre’s notorious child-killer in Fritz Lang’s M (1931).
In Black Chariot, Harvey plays a ruthless manipulator who coerces three young men—Hex Studio newcomers Novarro Ramon, Dorian Todd, and Sam Barclay—into carrying out the perfect crime: stealing a valuable red briefcase whose mysterious contents drive our characters to a dark meeting place. Here, they encounter a spine-tingling figure known as ‘The Devil,’ played by Richard Pate, along with two vicious private detectives played by Nick Ford and Marco Rinaldi.
Megan Tremethick, the rising horror star and key player in this film, commented, “I felt irresistibly drawn to Black Chariot… by its ethereal and uncanny storyline, which felt so, so reminiscent of the heart and spirit of Carnival of Souls, one of the most haunting films I’ve ever seen.” Tremethick’s images from Black Chariot on Instagram caught the attention of renowned horror filmmaker James Wan, who sent a personal message wishing the team good luck.
Producer Sarah Daly added, “With Black Chariot, we’re pushing the boundaries of indie horror and the genre. Our films and storytelling defy trends and pop culture norms. We are unapologetic in our love for past cinema, and we aim to champion and resurrect a style of genre filmmaking that is timeless and will be enjoyed for years to come.”
The enigmatic Novarro Ramon, who intriguingly lives his life as the imagined reincarnation of silent era star Ramon Novarro, stated, “Black Chariot is more than a film for me; it’s a spiritual journey through time, merging the silent era’s mystique with modern-day horror.”
In Black Chariot, the gang’s crime and ensuing tragedy culminate in the release of supernatural forces, forcing the criminals and a beautiful hostage in their charge, played by Megan Tremethick (aka Miss Amicus), into a battle for survival against an unlikely foe. As night falls, they must evade the red headlights of a black Wolseley 15/50 that moves silently through the dark. But that is the least of their problems, for this black chariot does not drive itself alone—within travels a figure of nightmares, dressed in white and moving silently through the shadows.
Shot in beautiful black and white, Black Chariot ushers in a new era in Hex Studios’ lineup of retro-inspired horror films. This follows the wake of sister company Amicus Productions’ record-breaking crowdfunding campaign and Megan Tremethick’s groundbreaking campaign for Spoiling You, which raised the most funds for a horror film directed by a woman.
The success behind these films is firmly rooted in the companies’ unabashed rejection of mainstream film and their embrace of boutique filmmaking and niche audiences within the horror sphere. Black Chariot is currently recruiting followers for its pre-launch page on Kickstarter. Early supporters can sign up to purchase Blu-Rays and merchandise once the campaign launches.
Kickstarter Link
