The end of the world has never looked so quietly unsettling. While apocalyptic cinema often leans into explosive spectacle, some of the most memorable entries in the genre find their power in stillness and introspection. Think of the haunting quiet of Children of Men or the poetic desolation of Melancholia. Now, a new film is poised to join that tradition with a distinctly surreal twist.
Little Doors, the feature directorial debut of Anthony Oberbeck, is set to make its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest, and we've got an exclusive first look that perfectly captures its eerie, off-kilter vibe. The image, which you can see above, hints at a world that's both familiar and deeply strange—a fitting introduction to a film that's been described as a "relentlessly deadpan comedy about loneliness, love, and the pain of human connection."
Oberbeck, known for his role on Hulu's Shrill, wears many hats here: he wrote, directed, and stars in the film. He's joined by Megan Koester and Eleanore Pienta, the latter of whom impressed in the underrated A Different Man. The story follows a lonely woman in a quietly crumbling world who falls in love and then discovers a small wooden door on her body—a discovery that forces her to confront a choice that could change everything.
The film's influences are as intriguing as its premise. Oberbeck has cited the deadpan stylings of Aki Kaurismäki, the offbeat rhythms of Jim Jarmusch, and the unsettling absurdity of Yorgos Lanthimos as touchstones. For fans of thought-provoking horror and unconventional cinema, this is a pedigree that promises something special.
After its world premiere at the Calgary Underground Film Festival in April, Little Doors is finally heading to Austin. Fantastic Fest, celebrating its 21st year, runs from September 17 through 24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. The festival is known for championing bold, genre-defying work, and Little Doors seems like a perfect fit.
For those who appreciate the weirder corners of cinema, this is one to watch. The film's blend of romance and body horror, wrapped in a deadpan comedic shell, promises an experience that's as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. And with the exclusive first look we've shared, you can get a taste of the strange world Oberbeck has created.
As the apocalypse looms in Little Doors, the real horror might not be the end of the world, but the choices we make when faced with the unknown. It's a theme that resonates beyond the screen, and one that's sure to spark conversation long after the credits roll.
Stay tuned for more updates as Fantastic Fest approaches, and check out our coverage of other Fantastic Fest premieres to get a full picture of this year's lineup.
