If you like yoga and horror, pay attention. The folks at Welcome Villain Films have announced that they have acquired the supernatural horror flick Mind Body Spirit. The film, which hails from directors Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda, is set to screen at the Unnamed Footage Festival later this month before it arrives on digital platforms in May.
The film is of the found footage variety known as screenlife, not unlike Unfriended or Rob Savage’s much-acclaimed 2020 film Host. This to say, the action unfolds on a computer screen. Welcome Villain Films is set to release the movie for the world to see on Tuesday, May 7, via digital retailers. Mark your calendars. As for the story at hand? The official synopsis reads as follows:
“Mind Body Spirit follows Anya, an aspiring yoga influencer, as she embarks on a ritual practice left behind by her estranged grandmother. What starts as a spiritual self-help guide quickly evolves into something much more sinister. As Anya becomes obsessed with the mysterious power of the practice, she unwittingly unleashes an otherworldly entity that begins to take control of her life – and her videos. Now Anya must race to unlock the truth, before her descent into madness threatens to consume her mind, body and spirit.”
The film premiered at the Telluride Horror Show and has since garnered largely favorable reviews from those who have seen it on the festival circuit. The cast is led by Sarah J. Bartholomew as Anya, with Madi Bready, Kristi Noory, KJ Flahive and Anna Knigge rounding out the ensemble. Henes and Merenda also penned the screenplay alongside Topher Hendricks. The film was produced by Dan Asma and Jesse McClung. Luke LaBeau, Welcome Villain Films Head of Development, had this to say about it:
“Mind Body Spirit is such a creative blend of wellness and horror, and really feels fresh and exciting for the genre, which makes it a perfect fit for the Welcome Villain family. We’re thrilled to be working with Alex, Matt and team, and we can’t wait to unleash this nightmare on audiences on May 7th.”
“It has been an immense privilege bringing our first feature film to life,” Henes and Merenda added. “Mind Body Spirit is the kind of midnight movie we grew up watching and loving. It’s freaky, it’s funny and it will definitely f*** you up.”
Mind Body Spirit will screen at the Unnamed Footage Festival in San Francisco on March 31st, with filmmakers Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda on hand, along with Sarah J. Bartholomew. Those interested in attending can get tickets and full details at UnnamedFootageFestival.com.
