Ahead of its highly anticipated world premiere at Panic Fest 2025 later this month, Don’t Let the Cat Out has unveiled its official trailer exclusively through Bloody Disgusting. The indie horror film, from the creators of last year’s festival hit Ladybug, promises to be a standout at the festival, alongside other highly awaited genre films such as David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds and Neon’s Hell of a Summer.
Starring Anthony Del Negro, Jordan James Smith, and Cerina Vincent (known for her role in Eli Roth’s Cabin Fever), Don’t Let the Cat Out is described as an “original, audacious horror film with a deliciously campy edge.”
The story centers around Charlie, who agrees to house-sit on Halloween, expecting a peaceful evening. However, his plans quickly spiral into terror when he is kidnapped and tortured by the homeowners. The couple intends to use Charlie’s body to resurrect their dearly departed cat, setting off a chilling and bizarre chain of events.
Written and produced by Del Negro, Don’t Let the Cat Out is loosely inspired by his own unsettling experience as a house-sitter. Directed by Tim Cruz (Ladybug), the film delves into both psychological and supernatural realms.
Cruz shared his personal connection to the project with Bloody Disgusting, stating, “Don’t Let the Cat Out is a deeply personal exploration of grief, inspired by my own journey through loss and the initial refusal to face it. Shot over 16 intense nights in Louisville, Kentucky, this film examines the psychological and supernatural consequences of unresolved grief through the character of Evelyn. Evelyn’s inability to confront the impending loss of her beloved cats is a reflection of my own struggle with grief and my initial refusal to mourn the death of my father.”
In addition to its emotional depth, Don’t Let the Cat Out incorporates elements of awkward horror comedy. Cruz explains, “This unique blend allows us to explore the dark and often uncomfortable terrain of grief with moments of levity and absurdity, highlighting the surreal and bizarre nature of coping with loss. The awkward humor counterbalances the horror, making it easier to confront and process difficult emotions in a more accessible and relatable way.”
As Don’t Let the Cat Out prepares for its premiere at Panic Fest, it promises to be a standout in the indie horror scene, offering a fresh take on grief, horror, and dark comedy.
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