In horror, a mysterious videotape rarely leads to anything good. From the cursed tapes of The Ring to the disturbing footage in The Poughkeepsie Tapes, VHS has long been a vessel for terror. Now, Posthumous adds a new chapter to that tradition, with Australian actress Sophie Lowe uncovering family secrets through an old camcorder. Ahead of its world premiere at Fantastic Fest, we're thrilled to share an exclusive image from the film.
Posthumous follows Zoe (Lowe), a woman in her thirties grappling with alcoholism and a strained relationship with her father. After leaving her boyfriend and moving back home, she finds a VHS tape left by her late mother—a woman who sacrificed her own life to ensure Zoe's birth. The tape contains annual messages of wisdom, meant to be watched until Zoe turns 21. On her 30th birthday, she revisits the tape, only to discover that its degradation mirrors her mother's decline, and it hints at a mysterious neighbor who may hold the key to her true origins.
Our exclusive image captures Zoe in shadow, peering into a retro camcorder—perhaps the very device her mother used to record those messages. The mood is both eerie and intriguing, setting the stage for a descent into a dark family mystery. As Zoe investigates, she breaks into the neighbor's home and uncovers evidence of arcane rituals involving sacred geometry, suggesting her mother's pain was channeled through supernatural means. Could Zoe use these same techniques to communicate with her mother? Or will she unearth secrets better left buried?
The film marks the feature debut of director Josh Tanner, who co-wrote the script with Jade van der Lei. Van der Lei, known for producing We Bury the Dead and working on War Machine and Better Man, reunites with Lowe, having previously served as a production manager on The Butterfly Tree. The cast also includes David Roberts, Doris Younane, Remy Hii, Christopher James Baker, Kira-Che Heelan, George Pullar, and Mia Morrissey.
Posthumous promises a blend of genuine scares, emotional depth, and a meditation on memory and loss. It's a must-watch for horror fans seeking something fresh and unsettling. For more on the film, check out our list of intense movies that push boundaries. And if you're curious about other upcoming horror, don't miss the final trailer for It Ends.
Get your first look at Posthumous in the exclusive image above, and stay tuned for more coverage from Fantastic Fest, running September 17–24 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. For the full lineup, visit the festival's official website.
