‘Sundowning’: Spooky Pictures Has an Irrational Fear of Older People
Indie genre label Spooky Pictures and global studio Image Nation have begun principal photography on Sundowning, a new horror thriller written and directed by Ian McDonald (Woman of the Hour), Dread Central learned this morning.
In the film, “After neglecting her dying parents, a young musician with gerontophobia accepts a position at a secluded end-of-life facility in search of redemption. However, what begins as an act of penance soon unsettles her as she discovers the idyllic sanctuary hides a terrifying secret.”
Interestingly, gerontophobia is the irrational, intense fear or hatred of aging and older people, often linked to ageism, fear of death, and dread of physical decline.
Even more revealing is the film’s title, Sundowning, which is a phenomenon in dementia patients characterized by increased confusion, anxiety, aggression, or agitation, usually occurring in the late afternoon or early evening.
Shit’s about to get crazy.
Shooting began earlier this month in Vancouver, with the cast led by Elizabeth Dulau (Andor), Susanne Wuest (Goodnight Mommy, Orphan 3), Rukiya Bernard (Yellowjackets), and Robbie G.K. (Heated Rivalry).
Sundowning is produced by Steven Schneider (The Long Walk, Strange Darling, Late Night with the Devil), Roy Lee (Weapons, Barbarian, It), and Simmy Wolf (Thunderbolts), for Spooky Pictures. Producing for Hadron Films (Breeder, Still/Born, Z) are Chris Wilkinson and Ryan Marchant, with Ellie Cameron-Smith serving as line producer. Rami Yasin (Hokum) and Ben Ross (Watcher, Late Night with the Devil) serve as executive producers.
Steven Schneider, co-founder of Spooky Pictures, said: “Ian McDonald brings a remarkable track record in crafting character-driven thrillers which tackle social and institutional structures in a haunting yet insightful way. We can’t wait to see his latest creation Sundowning realized and to have such a stellar cast, including Elizabeth Dulau, Susanne Wuest, Rukiya Bernard, and Robbie G.K., bring this chilling story of redemption and the darker realities of the care system to life for global audiences.”
Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation, added: “As we continue deepening our slate of boundary-pushing, elevated projects, Sundowning is exactly the type of bold and globally resonant storytelling we’re drawn to. It offers a fresh take on emotionally driven horror, through its sinister plot that is carefully layered with explorations of guilt, mortality, and loss — all brought to life by Ian McDonald’s sharp creative voice.”
Filmmaker Ian McDonald recently wrote and executive produced the feature Woman of the Hour, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival before selling to Netflix in a bidding war and releasing in October 2024 to strong reviews and audience engagement. McDonald is also currently writing an untitled cult thriller for Netflix with producers Andrea Berloff and John Gatins.
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