Legendary British horror studio Amicus Productions, famed for portmanteau films The House That Dripped Blood and Tales From the Crypt to name but a few, are back from the dead with a brand new anthology horror entitled In the Grip of Terror – and we’re excited to exclusively reveal the terrifying adaptations that lie within.
Guiding Amicus’ ambitious restoration as the new president of the company is Scottish filmmaker Lawrie Brewster (Lord of Tears, The Unkindness of Ravens) who, along with his business partner, writer/producer Sarah Daly, has worked closely with the family of Amicus founder Milton Subotsky to “honor the classic studio’s legacy while forging a new chapter in British horror.”
With an overarching theme of medical macabre, In the Grip of Terror will spotlight four tales based on the works of some of classic horror’s most beloved authors. While the full cast list is still under wraps, the anthology will feature UK horror icon Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede 2), as well as emerging stars Megan Tremethick (Ghost Crew), Jonathan Hansler (The Devil’s Machine) and Michael Daviot (Revenge of Innsmouth).
In a statement, Brewster expressed his excitement for the upcoming feature, and how he hopes to bring British horror back into the cinema spotlight:
Our aim is to re-establish Amicus Productions as a beacon of independent British horror. We’re concocting a film that captures the essence and panache that rendered the studio iconic. By emphasizing atmospheric storytelling, tangible effects, and a genuine respect for the genre, our vision is to teleport audiences back to British horror’s golden epoch. This venture transcends mere studio revival—it’s a renaissance of passion, tribute to a rich legacy, and a testament to indie cinema’s prowess.”
We’re excited to exclusively reveal that the gloriously Gothic adaptations making up In the Grip of Terror are…
Cool Air by H.P. Lovecraft
A man, newly arrived in New York, learns that a reclusive doctor lives in the apartment above his own. While suffering a heart attack, he is taken to the doctor’s door, and soon becomes friends with the bizarre and isolated man who claims he must live in a refrigerated environment for his health.And the Dead Spake by E.F. Benson
A man visits a gifted surgeon at his home and becomes intrigued by his unusual experiments in organ transplantation.A Watcher by the Dead by Ambrose Bierce
A group of doctors make a bet that anyone – who is not a doctor or a soldier – who spends the night alone with a corpse will be unable to face the reality of death, and will be driven insane.A Diagnosis of Death by Ambrose Bierce
A man explains to his doctor how he came to believe in ghosts.
All these stories, except for Cool Air, were suggested by none other than Fiona Subotsky, the widow of Milton Subotsky.
For more information on In the Grip of Terror, you can check out their Kickstarter – and we’ll be bringing you all the exciting updates as and when we get them! For now, enjoy this wonderfully retro first poster:
