Anna Biller's latest film, 'The Face of Horror', stars Kristine Froseth alongside Jonah Hauer-King and explores themes of medieval desire and violence.
On September 18, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter published a review of Anna Biller’s latest film, The Face of Horror, which features actress Kristine Froseth in a lead role. Alongside her, the film stars Jonah Hauer-King, Ellie Bamber, Leo Suter, and Bella Heathcote. This announcement marks Biller’s return to filmmaking after her critically acclaimed work, The Love Witch.
Biller’s new film, The Face of Horror, is set in medieval England and draws inspiration from the classic Japanese ghost story, Yotsuya Kaidan. The movie features a vibrant color palette, captured on 35mm film, and was primarily filmed in scenic locations like Prague’s ancient castles and churches. The film blends elements of desire and violence, promising an engaging backdrop for its exploration of female experiences.
The review notes that Kristine Froseth shines in her role as Eleanor, supported by strong performances from her co-stars, particularly Ellie Bamber. Froseth is commended for her ability to enliven scenes with her expressive delivery, while Bamber’s portrayal suggests a potential breakout performance. The film critiques performances by Hauer-King and Suter, suggesting that their portrayals feel disconnected from the narrative's emotional depth.
Despite its strong aesthetic and the talent involved, the film has received a mixed response regarding its execution. The review describes The Face of Horror as visually stunning but points to shortcomings in its narrative cohesion and character portrayals. The film appears to struggle with its thematic commentary, especially around gender dynamics, becoming repetitive rather than insightful.
The Face of Horror has positioned itself within discussions of feminist cinema, seeking to comment on medieval societal norms. However, the execution of these themes could influence audience reception, appealing to those interested in the fusion of historical narrative with modern feminist critiques. Given Biller’s prior success with The Love Witch, there is anticipation regarding how this film will resonate with critics and viewers alike, particularly regarding its handling of complex themes.
As The Face of Horror embarks on its journey through the film festival circuit, audience expectations will depend on Biller’s capacity to evoke sincere engagement with the material presented. While Kristine Froseth's performance may draw viewers in, the film's overall strengths and weaknesses will ultimately shape its impact in the contemporary cinema landscape. For more on this film and other recent releases, check out our reviews of ‘Youth’ and ‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’.
The film’s official runtime is reported at 1 hour and 59 minutes, and it will be showcased as part of the Midnight Madness segment at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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