Director Douglas Schulze, known for his work on The Dark Below, Hellmaster, and Mimesis, draws heavily from iconic horror films for his latest project, Thorns. While influences like The Thing, Alien, and The Exorcist can be detected, it’s undeniable that Hellraiser serves as a central inspiration. With Doug Bradley, famous for his role in Hellraiser, starring in the film, Thorns carries a distinct sense of déjà vu for fans of the classic franchise.
Set to premiere on May 6 via Video on Demand (VOD) through Vantage Media, Thorns promises a thrilling blend of physical makeup effects and gore. The film’s trailer, which debuted exclusively on Dread Central earlier today, gives a glimpse of the intense, practical effects that have been a hallmark of Schulze’s work.
The plot follows an ex-priest employed by NASA, who is tasked with investigating a remote observatory after it falls silent following a mysterious deep-space radio signal. Upon arrival, he uncovers a terrifying secret: the signal has opened a portal to unleash a monstrous creature with thorn-like features. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, the former priest must confront his lost faith to prevent the impending apocalypse.
In an interview, Schulze describes Thorns as a tribute to the monster movies of the 1980s, with a strong focus on practical effects and a synth-heavy music score that recalls the golden age of horror cinema. “For me, the best horror cinema steers away from the computer realm when pursuing all things visceral,” Schulze remarked.
Co-produced by Tony Timpone, Thorns is set to immerse viewers in a chilling and visceral horror experience that echoes the physical terror of classics like Hellraiser, The Thing, and Alien.
