Stars from ‘Heated Rivalry’ and ‘Andor’ Team Up for the Chilling Horror-Thriller ‘Sundowning’
New Psychological Thriller "Sundowning" Set to Begin Production with Notable Cast
Los Angeles — Elizabeth Dulau, known for her role in Andor, Susanne Wuest from Industry, Rukiya Bernard of Yellowjackets, and Robbie G.K. from Heated Rivalry are set to star in the upcoming psychological thriller Sundowning.
This marks the second feature from director Ian McDonald, who previously co-wrote the serial killer drama Woman of the Hour, featuring Anna Kendrick, and helmed the unconventional teen romance Some Freaks in 2016.
Sundowning follows a young musician grappling with gerontophobia—an irrational fear of aging and death. This anxiety leads her to neglect her dying parents. In search of redemption, she takes a position at an isolated end-of-life facility. However, what begins as an act of penance soon indicates that the seemingly idyllic sanctuary conceals a chilling secret.
This film is part of a collaboration between Spooky Pictures and Image Nation, a studio based in Abu Dhabi. Their partnership has resulted in multiple projects, with Sundowning being the latest addition.
Steven Schneider (The Long Walk), Roy Lee (Barbarian), and Simmy Wolf (Thunderbolts) will produce the project for Spooky Pictures. Chris Wilkinson and Ryan Marchant will produce for Hadron Films, while Ellie Cameron-Smith serves as Line Producer. Executive producers include Rami Yasin from Spooky Pictures and Ben Ross from Image Nation.
Schneider commented on McDonald’s expertise, stating, “Ian brings a remarkable track record in crafting character-driven thrillers that address social and institutional structures in a haunting yet insightful way.”
He further expressed anticipation for the film, adding, "We can’t wait to see his latest creation Sundowning realized and to have such a stellar cast bring this chilling story of redemption and the darker realities of the care system to life for global audiences."
Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation, also praised the project. “As we continue deepening our slate of boundary-pushing projects, Sundowning is exactly the type of bold and globally resonant storytelling we’re drawn to,” he said. “It offers a fresh take on emotionally driven horror, entwining themes of guilt, mortality, and loss through Ian’s sharp creative voice.”
Previously, Woman of the Hour premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix following a competitive bidding war. McDonald is currently penning an Untitled Cult Thriller for Netflix, with producers Andrea Berloff and John Gatins.
Dulau has gained recognition for her role as Kleya in Andor, and her credits include Netflix’s House of Guinness, All the Light We Cannot See, and the film adaptation of Wicked.
Wuest garnered international acclaim for her performance in Antares, Austria’s submission for the Academy Awards. She is also noted for her role in the cult film Goodnight Mommy and recently appeared in the Cannes-winning The Sound of Falling and HBO’s Industry. Her next project is Lionsgate’s Orphan 3.
Bernard is best known for her portrayal in Showtime’s Yellowjackets and Fox’s Chicken Sisters, and will appear in AMC’s upcoming series The Audacity.
Robbie G.K. brings experience from the hit show Heated Rivalry and has also featured in Utopia Falls.
McDonald is represented by CAA and Entertainment 360, while Dulau is represented by Anonymous Content, The Artists Partnership, and others. Wuest’s representation includes The Artists Partnership and Thruline Entertainment. Bernard is represented by D2Management and RED Management, and Robbie G.K. is represented by Amplified Management and The Talent House.
