A sinister academy. A buried world. A nightmare reborn.
Synopsis
Saturnalia is a stylish supernatural horror film set in 1979, blending giallo aesthetics with surreal psychological terror and occult mystery.
The story follows Miriam Basconi, a young woman sent to the prestigious Alstroemerias Academy after the mysterious deaths of both her parents. From the moment she arrives, Miriam senses something deeply wrong within the school’s ornate halls.
Students vanish without explanation. Shadowy figures linger in the darkness. And whispers of cruelty surround the imposing Headmistress Hemlock.
As Miriam begins to investigate, she uncovers a hidden world beneath the academy - a strange and surreal realm where reality and nightmare begin to merge. What lies beneath the surface is more than just secrets; it is something alive, something watching.
To survive, Miriam must confront both the oppressive authority of the school and the otherworldly force pulsing at its core.
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About Saturnalia
Saturnalia is a modern homage to 1970s Italian giallo cinema, heavily inspired by the works of Dario Argento, including Suspiria.
The film features a score by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin, known for his iconic work on Suspiria and Dawn of the Dead, reinforcing its authentic throwback style.
Directed by Daniel Lerch in his feature debut, the film is described as a love letter to Italian exploitation and supernatural horror, embracing bold visuals, surreal storytelling, and slow-building tension.
Blending period horror with experimental elements, Saturnalia aims to recreate the atmosphere and artistic ambition of classic European genre cinema, where director Daniel Lerch described the project as both a tribute and an evolution, aiming to capture the patience and bold creativity that defined earlier horror filmmaking.
Director and Cast
Saturnalia is directed by Daniel Lerch and the cast includes Sophia Anthony, Velvet, Dante Blake, Amariah Dionne, Maddie Siepe and Morgan Messina.
Trailer
Images
Release Date
Saturnalia will be released on April 24, 2026, arriving on Digital via Terror Films.