Alex Noyer, the director behind the body horror gem Sound of Violence, is ready to unleash his next nightmare. ShowtimeSpot can exclusively reveal that his folk horror film Love Is the Monster will hit North American theaters on June 23, 2026. Cranked Up Films, a division of Good Deed Entertainment specializing in high-concept indie genre fare, will distribute in the U.S., while Raven Banner Entertainment handles Canada.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a Finnish midsummer, the film follows struggling couple Ana (Madeline Zima) and Justin (Leonardo Nam) as they retreat to an exclusive resort to mend their relationship after infidelity. There, they seek guidance from a charismatic healer who draws on the mythology of Lempo, an ancient goddess of love and fertility. But the couple's attempt at reconciliation takes a dark turn as pagan rituals exploit their fractures, forcing them into a fight for survival. Ana soon uncovers a horrifying truth: she was meant to play a key role in resurrecting Lempo.
Zima, known for her recurring role on Showtime's Californication and appearances in the Twin Peaks revival, Doom Patrol, and CBS's Watson, brings emotional depth to Ana. Nam, best remembered as Felix Lutz from HBO's Westworld and also seen in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Marvel's Werewolf By Night, delivers a layered performance as Justin. In a statement, Nam shared how the folklore-infused story resonated with him personally: "What attracted me most was how beautifully it intertwines folklore, love, and the psychological questions human beings across cultures have wrestled with since the beginning of time. It's visually striking and unsettling, but also deeply human in the way it explores intimacy, desire, and the unknown." He added, "On a personal level, it meant a great deal to step into a lead role like this as an Asian man, in a space where we so rarely get to be seen as complex, desirable, romantic, and central to the story."
The cast also includes Kimberly Sue-Murray (The Boys), Moe Jeudy-Lamour (Ted Lasso), Kristina Tonteri-Young (Warrior Nun), Milla Puolakanaho (Attack on Helsinki), and Sheila McCarthy (Women Talking). Behind the camera, Laurence Gendron joins Noyer and co-writer Hannu Aukia as a producer. Noyer co-wrote the script with Aukia and Blair Bathory.
Noyer sees the summer release as perfect timing. "Releasing Love Is the Monster during Finnish midsummer couldn't be more fitting, as it's when our story unfolds," he said. "While a real trip to Finland is far less eventful, our devious goddess Lempo is ready to welcome audiences." The film originally premiered at last year's Screamfest Horror Film Festival, a launchpad for indie horror hits like Paranormal Activity and The Grudge.
For fans of folk horror and psychological terror, Love Is the Monster promises a haunting blend of mythology and relationship drama. As Nam put it, "I hope audiences discover a film that is both haunting and emotionally resonant, and fully surrender to the ride."
Looking for more chilling entertainment? Check out our list of classic horror movies that still terrify today. And if you're curious about other genre releases, don't miss the trailer for Netflix's The Boroughs from the Stranger Things creators.
