Director: Justin Powell
Cast: Nell Verlaque, Jason Isaacs, Paulina Chávez, Kieron Moore, Eoin Macken
Vampire Carnival (also known as Crave) is a 2026 Spanish-American co-production that blends horror, romance, and fantasy. Directed by David Twohy and Justin Powell, with a screenplay by Jason Ferrardi, the film follows Jemma, played by Nell Verlaque, a grieving young woman who is drawn to a mysterious traveling carnival arriving in her town. There, she meets a stranger portrayed by Kieron Moore, sparking a romantic connection that quickly reveals dark secrets.
The unique premise of the movie distinguishes it from traditional vampire lore: the creatures inhabiting the carnival do not feed on blood, but rather consume human despair. This psychological horror element adds a layer of emotional depth to the terrifying atmosphere, as the carnival serves as an entrance to an underground world where negative emotions are harvested. The film explores themes of grief, trauma, and the predatory nature of hopelessness through its gothic aesthetic.
Produced as a joint venture between Spain and the United States, Vampire Carnival has a runtime of 99 minutes and premiered in October 2026. The cast also includes Paulina Chavez and Jason Isaacs, adding significant weight to the ensemble. The film was promoted heavily as a major entry in the 2026 horror calendar, highlighting its innovative take on the vampire genre by focusing on emotional sustenance rather than physical feeding.
As a recent 2026 release, availability may vary by region due to differing distribution windows.