Australian psychological horror film “The Latcher” has secured a national theatrical release, with independent distributor Bonsai Films acquiring the feature.
The feature directorial debut of writer-director James Hunter, the film previously screened to sold-out audiences at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) before making its international debut at London’s FrightFest.
Starring Lucy Lovegrove, “The Latcher” follows Alice, a grieving midwife whose isolated home becomes the target of a terrifying presence emerging from the surrounding Victorian bushland. The psychological horror explores themes of grief, trauma, isolation and maternal anxiety.
Check out the trailer below.
The film has attracted positive reviews on the international festival circuit, with genre critic Anton Bitel describing Hunter’s debut as “the birth of a new talent in horror” and drawing comparisons to acclaimed Australian horror films “The Babadook” and “Relic.”
“I am thrilled to partner with Jonathan Page and Bonsai Films to bring ‘The Latcher’ to Australian cinemas,” Hunter said. “The overwhelming response at MIFF and FrightFest showed us how deeply this story resonates with audiences, and we can’t wait for more Australian cinema-goers and psychological horror fans to experience it on the big screen.”
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
The acquisition sees Hunter partner with Bonsai Films founder Jonathan Page, whose executive producing credits include Jennifer Kent’s “The Babadook” (2014), Goran Stolevski’s “You Won’t Be Alone” (2022) and Matt Vesely’s “Monolith” (2022).
Founded by Page in 2010, Bonsai Films specialises in independent Australian productions and international cinema, with a focus on bringing distinctive films to theatrical audiences.
“The Latcher” will open in Australian cinemas on April 1st, 2027, with further release details expected to be announced in the coming months.