Mike Flanagan is producing Alexandra Magistro’s feature debut 'Rot,' starring Cooper Koch, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard. Production begins in November.
Mike Flanagan is set to produce the feature film "Rot," marking the directorial debut of Alexandra Magistro, an executive at his production company, Red Room Pictures. The film, described as a psychological thriller and body horror, will star Cooper Koch, Amber Midthunder, and Matthew Lillard. It was announced on September 9, 2026, that production is slated to begin in Vancouver this November.
The cast features noteworthy talent: Cooper Koch, who gained recognition for his role in Netflix's "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story"; Amber Midthunder, known for her appearance in Dan Trachtenberg's "Prey"; and Matthew Lillard, a frequent collaborator with Flanagan, who will also appear in an upcoming adaptation of "Carrie". Their ensemble brings a diverse array of performances that align with the psychological depth sought in this project.
"Rot" is based on a script that made the 2024 Black List, which highlights outstanding screenplays. The story follows a man grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, haunted by his hoarding mother. In a bid to confront his past traumas, he takes a job as a trauma cleaner, a role that escalates his psychological struggles. The film's narrative is expected to draw comparisons to classic psychological horrors like "Repulsion" and the works of David Cronenberg, promising an exploration of deep psychological themes.
In addition to Flanagan, the production team includes Molly C. Quinn, Matthew M. Welty, and Elan Gale. Their collaboration highlights Flanagan's commitment to nurturing new talent, while maintaining a high-quality production standard often seen in his previous projects such as "The Life of Chuck".
Alexandra Magistro has been an integral part of Flanagan's team for over eight years. Her past roles include executive producer for "The Exorcist: Martyrs", set to release in March 2027, and producer for the upcoming "Carrie" adaptation. Her transition into directing with "Rot" represents a significant milestone, allowing her to express her unique vision and storytelling style within the horror genre.
The production of "Rot" adds to Flanagan's growing portfolio of horror projects, including adaptations of Stephen King's "The Mist" and a Warhammer 40,000 series. This trajectory is set to draw interest from horror enthusiasts who appreciate character-driven narratives that blend innovative storytelling with psychological complexities. The partnership between Flanagan and Magistro is particularly noteworthy, as many are eager to see how her artistic perspective integrates with Flanagan's established style.
As production gears up this November, further details about the film are anticipated, shedding light on the innovative direction Magistro is taking. This project not only aims to enhance the landscape of contemporary horror cinematography but also to present a fresh directorial voice that could influence future works in the genre. Fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing how Alexandra Magistro's experiences shape her storytelling in this new venture.
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