Ancestral Beasts

Ancestral Beasts (2026)



0.0 2026 104 min —

Director: Tim Riedel

Cast: Morgan Holmstrom, Asivak Koostachin, Darla Contois

Horror Thriller
Deep in the desolate wilds of rural Canada, a chilling question takes shape: what if a crippling mental illness could become a living nightmare—a monster hiding just beyond sight? Having severed all contact with her poisonous sibling, Elyse returns to her family’s old homestead, hoping to mend her fractured mind. Her fragile recovery shatters when a hideous beast emerges from the darkness, drawn to every ounce of her pain. Now Elyse must face the demons she fled—both inside and out—or risk losing her sanity, her loved ones, and everything she holds dear.

More About This Film

Ancestral Beasts is a psychological horror film directed by Morgan Holmstrom, who also stars in the lead role. The movie explores themes of heritage and fear, blending personal narrative with supernatural elements to create a tense atmosphere. Holmstrom, known for her roles in series like Skymed and projects such as The Order, brings a unique perspective to this genre-bending project.

The film made its international debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, screening in the Frontières unit which is dedicated to genre cinema. This selection highlighted the movie's ability to merge traditional horror tropes with contemporary storytelling, drawing attention from critics and festival audiences alike for its bold direction and strong performance.

  • Morgan Holmstrom serves as both director and star, marking a significant creative step in her career following her work in Sibiria and Day of the Dead.
  • The film premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2025, specifically within the Frontières section known for horror and fantasy.
  • Holmstrom is of Metis and Filipino descent, adding cultural depth to the production's background and thematic elements.
  • She has received multiple industry nominations including UBCP/ACTRA and Leo Awards for her previous acting work.

Where to Watch

Ancestral Beasts is currently available for streaming on several digital platforms following its festival run.