Xochitl Gomez is stepping from the superhero spotlight into a much darker corner with her latest project. The actress, best known for her role as America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, headlines the terrifying new thriller Hive, and the first exclusive trailer promises a suburban nightmare where the children are anything but innocent.
The chilling preview introduces Gomez as Sasha, a teenager taking on a babysitting job for a wealthy family. What seems like a straightforward gig quickly spirals into a fight for survival. Her young charge isn't just mischievous; she harbors a cruel streak, expertly targeting Sasha's deepest fears. The horror, however, extends far beyond one troubled child. A malevolent force appears to have taken root in the entire neighborhood, turning the local playground into a hunting ground. Gomez's character must unravel the mystery and find a way to save the children—and herself—before it's too late.
From Multiverse to Mayhem
Gomez's pivot to horror showcases her range beyond the blockbuster realm. After breaking out in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and winning Dancing With the Stars, she's diving headfirst into the genre. Hive marks a reunion with writer-director Felipe Vargas, who first collaborated with Gomez on a short film version of the story. The feature-length adaptation retains the short's real-time tension, amplifying the suspense as the threat closes in.
The film also stars Aaron Dominguez, familiar to fans from Hulu's Only Murders in the Building. His recent work in horror, including the Witchboard remake, makes him a fitting addition to this creepy tale. Vargas, whose previous feature was the horror film Rosario, expands his original concept into a full-scale suburban invasion story where the most familiar faces become the greatest threat.
Where to Watch the Terror Unfold
Audiences won't have to wait long to see if Sasha makes it out alive. Hive is set to premiere exclusively on the free, ad-supported streaming service Tubi on Friday, April 17. This release continues Tubi's push into original, chilling content that finds a ready audience. For fans of tense, contained thrillers, this film about everyday terror hitting close to home is a perfect fit. If you're looking for another gripping, single-sitting story, check out Netflix's 'Cassandra', a six-episode sci-fi thriller designed for a binge.
Gomez remains a busy star on the rise. Beyond her anticipated return to the MCU, she currently appears in CBS's Boston Blue and will voice a character in the upcoming animated The Cat in the Hat film. She also stars alongside Blue Beetle's Xolo Maridueña in the romance Dog Years. Hive represents a bold step into a new genre, proving her versatility as a performer who can handle both universe-saving heroics and intimate, personal horror.
The trailer effectively builds dread from a simple premise, playing on the universal fear of something being deeply wrong with the people we trust most. The concept of possessed children is a classic horror trope, but Hive appears to give it a fresh, neighborhood-wide scale. It joins a rich tradition of films where everyday settings become battlegrounds against evil. For more explorations of cinematic terror, from otherworldly threats to human monsters, dive into our ranking of Sci-Fi's Most Terrifying Movie Monsters.
With its April release date, Hive is poised to deliver early chills to the streaming world. The film's journey from a short to a feature, anchored by Gomez's committed performance, suggests a passion project with serious scares. As free streaming platforms like Tubi continue to grow their original slates with projects like this and rediscovered gems like Jason Statham's 'Safe', they're becoming essential destinations for thriller fans. Mark your calendars for April 17 to see if Xochitl Gomez can survive the playground from hell.
