The Mortuary Assistant is shocking horror fans with its big-screen debut. Willa Holland leads this terrifying supernatural thriller arriving February 13. The 1998-set film transforms a beloved video game into dark cinema.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: February 13, 2026 in select theaters, March 27 on Shudder
- Cast: Willa Holland as Rebecca Owens, Paul Sparks as Raymond Delver
- Director: Jeremiah Kipp, who directed the horror film Slapface
- Based On: The 2022 bestselling horror video game by DreadXP
From Game to Terrifying Film
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The leap from video game to cinema marks a thrilling moment for horror enthusiasts worldwide. The Mortuary Assistant began as a acclaimed 2022 indie game that captivated players with its authentic, disturbing atmosphere. Now director Jeremiah Kipp brings the nightmare to life with visceral cinematography and a powerhouse cast. The film adaptation expands the original story, diving deeper into Rebecca’s personal demons and the mortuary’s dark secrets.
Game creator Brian Clarke stated, “Fans of the game will finally witness the world they’ve explored come alive, while genre film audiences will discover a story filled with tension, dark secrets, and unforgettable scares.” This crossover unites two distinct horror communities in unprecedented fashion.
Willa Holland Brings Rebecca Owens to Life
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Willa Holland, best known for her role as Thea Queen in the superhero series Arrow, takes center stage as Rebecca Owens. The actress, born June 18, 1991, has carved her career through diverse roles including Kaitlin Cooper in teen drama The O.C. and appearances in Gossip Girl. Holland’s action experience from Arrow combined with theatrical depth positions her perfectly for this horror protagonist. Her character accepts a night shift embalming bodies alone, only to uncover demonic rituals and her own buried psychological trauma.
Co-star Paul Sparks, famous for Boardwalk Empire, plays Raymond Delver, the enigmatic mortuary mentor harboring sinister secrets. Their dynamic creates palpable tension throughout this 91-minute psychological horror experience.
Release Schedule and Platform Details
The film hits selected US theaters on Friday, February 13, 2026, perfectly timed for horror fans seeking theatrical scares. Just six weeks later, the film arrives on Shudder, AMC Networks’ dedicated horror streaming platform, on March 27. This dual-release strategy maximizes accessibility for both cinema purists and home viewers.
| Release Detail | Information |
| Theatrical Release | February 13, 2026 (select US theaters) |
| Streaming Debut | March 27, 2026 on Shudder |
| Runtime | 1 hour 31 minutes |
| Production Companies | Epic Pictures, Dread, Traverse Media |
Epic Pictures and Dread announced the official trailer just days ago, confirming these dates after months of anticipation from the gaming community.
“Seeing The Mortuary Assistant make the leap from game to film is incredibly rewarding. Fans of the game will finally witness the world they’ve explored come alive, while genre film audiences will discover a story filled with tension, dark secrets, and unforgettable scares.”
— Brian Clarke, Game Creator and Film Writer
What to Expect From This Supernatural Horror
The film follows Rebecca Owens, a newly certified mortician who accepts a treacherous night shift at River Fields Mortuary. What seems like routine embalming work in 1998 Connecticut quickly spirals into supernatural terror. Rebecca discovers demonic rituals, uncovers her mentor’s dark secrets, and confronts buried childhood trauma. Her survival depends on identifying which corpses carry demonic possession before midnight strikes. The screenplay by Tracee Beebe and Brian Clarke balances psychological horror with tangible scares.
The film stars Mark Steger as The Mimic, Shelly Gibson, and Keena Ferguson Frasier in supporting roles that amplify the atmosphere of dread throughout this claustrophobic nightmare.
Is This Adaptation Worth Your Horror Night?
Director Jeremiah Kipp‘s previous work on horror film Slapface demonstrates his mastery of genre suspense and human vulnerability. The video game’s reputation as a genuinely unsettling experience suggests the film adaptation will deliver authentic scares rather than cheap jump-scares. Shudder’s acquisition signals confidence in the project’s quality. Early positive reception for the trailer shows horror communities buzzing with legitimately dark enthusiasm rather than skepticism. Will this prove to be one of 2026’s breakthrough horror films, or just another forgotten game-to-screen adaptation?
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.