Some of the biggest names in genre filmmaking are rallying behind Osgood Perkins. But it does make you wonder—why? Is it genuine excitement for his upcoming film “Keeper”?
The latest trailer for “Keeper” features quotes from Bong Joon Ho, Guillermo del Toro, and others praising the film. It also includes new shots of Tatiana Maslany’s character breaking down, channeling serious Wendy Torrance-in-“The Shining” vibes. And honestly, who could blame her with all those drooling creatures lurking nearby?
Hopefully, the marketing doesn’t overhype the film the way “Longlegs” was — good, but not great. Here are some of the filmmakers’ quotes
“Keeper” is an experience of pure terror” — Fede Alvarez
“A terrifying descent into madness” — James Wan
“Horror origami that skillfully folds into itself” — Guillermo del Toro
“Perkins blends new fear and surprise. He is the wizard of horror” — Hideo Kojima
“Perkins is a formidable voice in horror” — Damien Leone
“Jesus … Perkins has a natural talent for discomfort that translates into fear” — Bong Joon ho
Neon won’t be screening the film widely for critics. Their reason? To “preserve the mystery.” I’m not convinced. The trailer reveals quite a bit — especially considering the earlier synopsis described it simply as “a couple retreating to a remote cabin for their anniversary, only to discover they’re not alone.”
This is actually the second film Perkins has released this year, after “The Monkey” — a deliriously over-the-top adaptation of Stephen King’s short story that played like a blood-soaked cartoon. Despite mixed reviews, that film did alright, earning $68M against a modest $10M budget.
During the 2024 WGA strike, Perkins hired a non-WGA Canadian writer, Nick Lepard, to quickly bang out a screenplay. The shoot lasted just three weeks and wrapped in August 2024. The budget? Under $8M. Like “Longlegs” and “The Monkey” before it, “Keeper” sticks to the microbudget horror formula that Perkins seems increasingly comfortable working within.
Hey, if Perkins can keep churning these out and they keep turning a profit, big or small, Neon will keep greenlighting his projects. For now, all eyes are on “Keeper,” which is banking on the horror crowd to show up in theaters on November 14.
The film is at its best when it’s simply being loud and messy — which isn’t enough of the time. And it’s fitting that a movie about The Sun should feel exactly that way.