Before the internet turned shock content into a daily scroll, one film terrified audiences through grainy VHS tapes and whispered rumors. Released in 1978, the original Faces of Death was presented as a real documentary, with a narrator guiding viewers through graphic depictions of death from around the world. Though many segments were later revealed to be staged, the film's brutal imagery led to bans and heavy censorship in numerous countries, earning it the infamous tagline "Banned in 46 Countries."
Now, decades later, that unsettling classic has been reimagined for a new generation. Directed by Daniel Goldhaber, the Faces of Death reboot hit theaters earlier this year, delivering a hard-hitting, R-rated experience that updates the mondo tradition for the digital age. Starring Barbie Ferreira and Dacre Montgomery, the film blends the disturbing essence of the original with a more cohesive narrative, earning a solid 69% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes—a stark contrast to the original's 21% Tomatometer rating.
For those who missed it in theaters, the wait is almost over. According to MovieWeb, the reboot will be released on home video on September 22, 2026, allowing fans to experience the gore and psychological tension from their own living rooms. The film premiered in Chicago as a 35mm screening on April 5, 2026, before expanding via Independent Film Company ten days later.
What to Expect from the Reboot
Written by Goldhaber and Isa Mazzei, the 97-minute movie follows Margot Romero (Ferreira), a content moderator for a TikTok-like platform called Kino. When she stumbles upon a series of disturbing videos that seem to recreate the staged deaths from the original documentary, she becomes obsessed with uncovering their source. Her investigation leads her to Arthur Spevak (Montgomery), a telecom store employee who may be behind the sinister clips—and who soon turns his attention to Margot.
The supporting cast includes pop star Charli XCX, Jermaine Fowler, Josie Totah, and Aaron Holliday, adding a contemporary flair to this dark tale. The film explores the dark side of internet culture and the desensitization of modern audiences, making it a timely and thought-provoking horror entry.
If you're a fan of horror reboots that take risks, this one is worth checking out. And if you're looking for more underrated gems, you might enjoy our list of underrated Netflix action gems or dive into the world of R-rated dark comedies. For those who appreciate classic horror, the 4K release of Interview with the Vampire is also a must-see.
With its home video release just around the corner, Faces of Death is poised to find a new audience eager for a chilling, thought-provoking scare.
