In the shadowy realms of horror and thriller cinema, a new Cronenberg emerges to etch her name beside the legends. Caitlin Cronenberg, daughter of the iconic David Cronenberg, ventures into the directorial spotlight with her feature debut, “Humane”. This eco-thriller promises to twist the fibers of family drama into a narrative fraught with survival, sacrifice, and a darkly satirical take on our ecological future.
“Humane” is poised to captivate audiences with a story that unfolds over a single harrowing day, set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink after a global ecological collapse. Governments have resorted to extreme measures to curtail the human population, setting the stage for a wealthy retired newsman to convene his adult children. His intention: to announce his voluntary participation in the nation’s euthanasia program. Yet, plans unravel, thrusting his family into a vortex of tension and unforeseen chaos.
The film stars Peter Gallagher as the patriarch whose attempt at self-sacrifice spirals disastrously, alongside Jay Baruchel and Emily Hampshire portraying his children, ensnared in the ensuing turmoil. With such a compelling cast, “Humane” promises to be an intense and thrilling ride.
Caitlin Cronenberg, in an exclusive with IndieWire, shed light on her attraction to “Humane” as her inaugural feature project. “It had humor and darkness and felt timely while still essentially being a family drama,” she elaborated, praising Michael Sparaga’s script for its brilliance and depth. The director also clarified her stance on the film’s genre, considering it not as conventional horror but a genre-bending ‘family thriller’ that explores multifaceted characters in a unique setting.
Her anticipation for the audience’s engagement is palpable: “We had an incredible crew of talented artists both in front of and behind the camera, and no detail was left undiscussed. I hope our audience gets engrossed in the world of ‘Humane’ and enjoys the ride!”
“Humane” gears up for its premiere on April 26 in select theaters, courtesy of IFC Films, and its subsequent streaming debut on Shudder on July 26th.
