When Darkness Loves Us

When Darkness Loves Us has wrapped production in New Zealand and is now in post-production. Directed by James Ashcroft, the horror feature is adapted from Elizabeth Engstrom's cult 1980s novella and stars Emilia Clarke in the lead role, alongside Victoria Pedretti, Marlon Williams, and Natascha McElhone. The film is produced by Desray Armstrong, with executive producers including Ant Timpson, Ashcroft, and Clarke. Ashcroft co-wrote the screenplay with Hayley Sproull and Eli Kent. Bleecker Street acquired worldwide distribution rights excluding Australia and New Zealand, where Umbrella Entertainment and Aotearoa New Zealand will handle releases respectively. Cornerstone has boarded international sales and will introduce the film to buyers at the Cannes Film Market in May 2026. The project was financed by the New Zealand Film Commission, Images & Sound, and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate. A U.S. theatrical release is planned for 2027.