23 Unsettling Movies Like 'Jeepers Creepers'

Lila Sommers

Lila Sommers

Movies Like 'Jeepers Creepers'

Delving into the world of horror cinema often leaves us craving more, especially after experiencing a particularly riveting film like "Jeepers Creepers." This 2001 cult classic struck a chord with audiences, weaving a tale of suspense, grim undertones, and hair-raising terror.

It's not just the haunting visage of The Creeper that lingers but the myriad tones that punctuate every scene. If this movie had you on the edge of your seat and you're hungry for more films that mirror its eerie essence, you're in for a treat.

We've scoured the depths of horror cinema to curate a list of 23 exceptional films that share the same spine-chilling vibes as "Jeepers Creepers." Buckle up, for a cinematic journey awaits that promises to be as thrilling as it is terrifying.

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Rotten tomatoes95%
iMBD76
Metacritic7.4

In the seemingly tranquil town of Springwood, teenagers are tormented by the ghastly figure of Freddy Krueger in their dreams. As they drift into sleep, they find themselves in Krueger's nightmarish realm, where escape seems impossible, and reality blurs with imagination. Freddy, with his iconic glove adorned with razor blades, becomes a symbol of inescapable doom. Like "Jeepers Creepers," where The Creeper lurks in the open road, waiting for its next victim, Freddy's domain is the dreamscape, where he preys without mercy. Both films tap into innate human fears—whether it's the trepidation of what might stalk us on a desolate road or the dread of nightmares that might actually come to life.

CAST

Heather Langenkamp

Heather Langenkamp

John Saxon

John Saxon

Ronee Blakley

Ronee Blakley

Amanda Wyss

Amanda Wyss

Jsu Garcia

Jsu Garcia

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp

Robert Englund

Robert Englund

Charles Fleischer

Charles Fleischer

Joseph Whipp

Joseph Whipp

Lin Shaye

Lin Shaye

Directed by Wes Craven
Image
Rotten tomatoes71%
iMBD57
Metacritic7.1

Upon watching a mysterious videotape filled with haunting images, viewers receive a cryptic phone call, sealing their fate within seven days. Journalist Rachel Keller, after witnessing the tape's lethal consequences firsthand, embarks on an investigative journey, tracing the origins of the curse. As each day inches closer to the seventh, Rachel confronts eerie occurrences, a tragic history, and a malevolent entity eager to claim its next victim. Much like the protagonists in "Jeepers Creepers" who delve deeper into the lore of The Creeper, Rachel's quest for truth becomes a desperate race against time. Both films convey the relentless pursuit of a supernatural menace that waits patiently for its moment to strike.

CAST

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

Martin Henderson

Martin Henderson

David Dorfman

David Dorfman

Brian Cox

Brian Cox

Jane Alexander

Jane Alexander

Lindsay Frost

Lindsay Frost

Amber Tamblyn

Amber Tamblyn

Rachael Bella

Rachael Bella

Daveigh Chase

Daveigh Chase

Shannon Cochran

Shannon Cochran

Directed by Gore Verbinski
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Rotten tomatoes86%
iMBD81
Metacritic4.5

A trio of young filmmakers, lured by the legend of the Blair Witch, ventures into the dense forests of Maryland to uncover the truth. Armed with cameras, they document their journey, capturing every moment of hope, fear, and descent into paranoia. However, the woods prove to be more treacherous than they could have imagined, with unsettling signs that they're not alone. "Jeepers Creepers" and "The Blair Witch Project" share a strong thematic undercurrent: the terrifying vulnerability of being stalked. While the former uses desolate roads and skies as its canvas of horror, the latter turns the labyrinthine forest into a claustrophobic trap, where unseen forces constantly watch, wait, and toy with their prey.

CAST

Rei Hance

Rei Hance

Michael C. Williams

Michael C. Williams

Joshua Leonard

Joshua Leonard

Bob Griffin

Jim King

Sandra Sánchez

Ed Swanson

Patricia DeCou

Mark Mason

Jackie Hallex

Directed by Daniel Myrick
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Rotten tomatoes50%
iMBD46
Metacritic7.6

When two strangers, Dr. Lawrence Gordon and Adam, wake up chained in a dilapidated bathroom, they're thrust into a wicked game masterminded by the notorious Jigsaw killer. The rules are simple but grim: commit unspeakable acts to survive or face certain death. Throughout the film, we uncover the layers of Jigsaw's deranged philosophy and the lengths to which he pushes his victims to appreciate life. Like "Jeepers Creepers," the atmosphere of "Saw" is drenched in an unsettling suspense, driving the narrative forward with the sensation of being hunted. In both, characters are confronted by their past actions in life-threatening situations, making the fight for survival intensely personal.

CAST

Cary Elwes

Cary Elwes

Danny Glover

Danny Glover

Monica Potter

Monica Potter

Ken Leung

Ken Leung

Makenzie Vega

Makenzie Vega

Michael Emerson

Michael Emerson

Shawnee Smith

Shawnee Smith

Dina Meyer

Dina Meyer

Alexandra Bokyun Chun

Alexandra Bokyun Chun

Directed by James Wan
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Rotten tomatoes89%
iMBD50
Metacritic7.4

In the scorching heat of Texas, a group of unsuspecting friends encounters the unthinkable: a grotesque family with a penchant for cannibalism. As they're hunted and terrorized by the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, the vast, desolate landscape becomes their prison. Much like "Jeepers Creepers," this film marries the idea of a road trip gone horribly wrong with the emergence of an unspeakable horror. The rawness of "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" reflects the visceral terror of "Jeepers Creepers," where isolated settings amplify the vulnerability of the protagonists, and escape is a dwindling hope.

CAST

Marilyn Burns

Marilyn Burns

Allen Danziger

Allen Danziger

Paul A. Partain

Paul A. Partain

Teri McMinn

Teri McMinn

Edwin Neal

Edwin Neal

Jim Siedow

Jim Siedow

Gunnar Hansen

Gunnar Hansen

John Dugan

John Dugan

Robert Courtin

Directed by Tobe Hooper
Image
Rotten tomatoes92%
iMBD72
Metacritic7

A seemingly typical cabin getaway for five college friends takes a dark turn when they realize their every move is being manipulated by enigmatic overseers. As they're pitted against an array of monsters, the film cleverly deconstructs classic horror tropes, revealing a deeper, more sinister agenda. Although "The Cabin in the Woods" leans into satire and meta-humor, it shares with "Jeepers Creepers" the concept of an ancient, relentless evil preying on the young. Both films play with the audience's expectations, subverting them at every turn. The underlying theme of being trapped in a scenario designed by malevolent forces resonates in both, creating an unsettling ambiance.

CAST

Kristen Connolly

Kristen Connolly

Fran Kranz

Fran Kranz

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams

Anna Hutchison

Anna Hutchison

Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth

Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins

Bradley Whitford

Bradley Whitford

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver

Brian J. White

Brian J. White

Amy Acker

Amy Acker

Directed by Drew Goddard
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Rotten tomatoes87%
iMBD71
Metacritic7.2

A year after a tragic accident, Sarah and her friends embark on a spelunking expedition in a remote cave system. However, their adventure quickly turns into a nightmare when they become trapped and discover they are not alone. The cave's labyrinthine tunnels are inhabited by a race of subterranean creatures, hungry and hunting. "The Descent" mirrors "Jeepers Creepers" in its evocation of claustrophobic horror and the lurking presence of predatory beings. Both films expertly build tension by using the environment — whether it's a vast, desolate countryside or a dark, confined cave — to accentuate the vulnerability and isolation of the protagonists.

CAST

Shauna Macdonald

Shauna Macdonald

Natalie Mendoza

Natalie Mendoza

Alex Reid

Alex Reid

MyAnna Buring

MyAnna Buring

Saskia Mulder

Saskia Mulder

Nora-Jane Noone

Nora-Jane Noone

Leslie Simpson

Leslie Simpson

Oliver Milburn

Oliver Milburn

Molly Kayll

Molly Kayll

Craig Conway

Craig Conway

Directed by Neil Marshall
Image
Rotten tomatoes95%
iMBD83
Metacritic6.8

After a seemingly ordinary sexual encounter, Jay finds herself cursed by a relentless entity that only she can see. This shape-shifting force, always walking slowly but never stopping, pursues its victim until they pass the curse to another through intimacy. Much like "Jeepers Creepers," there's a relentless sense of being pursued by an inescapable terror. The films share an atmosphere of impending doom where the protagonists are constantly on edge, knowing that danger is always just a few steps behind. Both movies also cleverly play with the concept of time — in "Jeepers Creepers," the Creeper's 23-day feeding cycle; in "It Follows," the undetermined but always impending approach of the entity.

CAST

Maika Monroe

Maika Monroe

Keir Gilchrist

Keir Gilchrist

Daniel Zovatto

Daniel Zovatto

Jake Weary

Jake Weary

Olivia Luccardi

Olivia Luccardi

Lili Sepe

Lili Sepe

Bailey Spry

Bailey Spry

Carollette Phillips

Carollette Phillips

Loren Bass

Charles Gertner

Directed by David Robert Mitchell
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Rotten tomatoes63%
iMBD53
Metacritic6.8

True-crime writer Ellison Oswalt moves his family into a house where a disturbing crime took place. While researching for his next book, he discovers a box of old home movies that suggest the murder he's currently investigating is the work of a serial killer whose crimes date back decades. These films not only depict the killings but also seem to harbor a supernatural entity called Bughuul, who might be more involved than just being a passive observer. Like "Jeepers Creepers," the movie "Sinister" delves deep into the investigation of past horrors that have repercussions in the present. Both films blend the mystery of unsolved atrocities with supernatural elements, leading to grim revelations that the protagonists might be powerless to escape.

CAST

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke

Juliet Rylance

Juliet Rylance

Vincent D'Onofrio

Vincent D'Onofrio

James Ransone

James Ransone

Fred Dalton Thompson

Fred Dalton Thompson

Clare Foley

Clare Foley

Michael Hall D'Addario

Michael Hall D'Addario

Victoria Leigh

Victoria Leigh

Blake Mizrahi

Blake Mizrahi

Cameron Ocasio

Cameron Ocasio

Directed by Scott Derrickson
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Rotten tomatoes49%
iMBD47
Metacritic6.1

In a secluded vacation home, a couple's romantic retreat transforms into a nightmarish ordeal when three masked strangers decide to terrorize them for no apparent reason. The film capitalizes on the fear of the unknown and the sheer randomness of violence. Much like in "Jeepers Creepers," there's a pervading sense of being watched, stalked, and hunted. Both movies encapsulate the terror that emerges not from why the horror occurs, but simply from the fact that it does, inescapably and without motive.

CAST

Liv Tyler

Liv Tyler

Scott Speedman

Scott Speedman

Gemma Ward

Gemma Ward

Kip Weeks

Kip Weeks

Laura Margolis

Laura Margolis

Glenn Howerton

Glenn Howerton

Alex Fisher

Peter Clayton-Luce

Nick Barghini

Shawn McClellan

Directed by Bryan Bertino
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Rotten tomatoes40%
iMBD32
Metacritic6.1

A car accident in the West Virginia woods becomes the least of a group of travelers' worries when they find themselves targeted by cannibalistic mountain men. This backwoods horror mirrors "Jeepers Creepers" in its use of remote, isolated landscapes as a backdrop for relentless pursuit. Both films portray characters who, by sheer misfortune, stumble into regions where unspeakable evils lurk, emphasizing the themes of being in the wrong place at the gravely wrong time.

CAST

Eliza Dushku

Eliza Dushku

Desmond Harrington

Desmond Harrington

Emmanuelle Chriqui

Emmanuelle Chriqui

Julian Richings

Julian Richings

Lindy Booth

Lindy Booth

James Downing

James Downing

Jeremy Sisto

Jeremy Sisto

Wayne Robson

Wayne Robson

David Huband

David Huband

Kevin Zegers

Kevin Zegers

Directed by Rob Schmidt
Image
Rotten tomatoes51%
iMBD53
Metacritic6.6

The isolated Alaskan town of Barrow faces an unparalleled horror when vampires descend upon it during a month-long polar night. Cut off from the rest of the world and plunged into darkness, the townsfolk must survive against these relentless predators. Echoing "Jeepers Creepers," there's a palpable sense of inescapable doom and entrapment. Both films play on the terror of cyclical events — whether it's The Creeper's 23-day feeding frenzy or Barrow's extended nights — creating environments where malevolent entities thrive unchecked.

CAST

Josh Hartnett

Josh Hartnett

Melissa George

Melissa George

Danny Huston

Danny Huston

Ben Foster

Ben Foster

Mark Boone Junior

Mark Boone Junior

Mark Rendall

Mark Rendall

Amber Sainsbury

Amber Sainsbury

Manu Bennett

Manu Bennett

Megan Franich

Megan Franich

Craig Hall

Craig Hall

Directed by David Slade
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Rotten tomatoes79%
iMBD72
Metacritic6.7

Graduate student Helen Lyle ventures into the heart of Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing projects to investigate an urban legend surrounding the enigmatic figure, Candyman. What begins as academic curiosity quickly spirals into terror when she inadvertently summons the hook-wielding specter, becoming the new target of his vengeful wrath. Like "Jeepers Creepers," "Candyman" delves deep into local lore and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond comprehension. Both films amplify the fusion of past sins with present terror, where evoking malevolent entities brings forth unimaginable horrors.

CAST

Virginia Madsen

Virginia Madsen

Tony Todd

Tony Todd

Xander Berkeley

Xander Berkeley

Kasi Lemmons

Kasi Lemmons

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams

DeJuan Guy

DeJuan Guy

Marianna Elliott

Marianna Elliott

Ted Raimi

Ted Raimi

Ria Pavia

Ria Pavia

Mark Daniels

Directed by Bernard Rose
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Rotten tomatoes74%
iMBD75
Metacritic6.6

After a seemingly harmless prank on a trucker via CB radio, college student Lewis and his brother, Fuller, find themselves in a high-octane cat-and-mouse chase across desolate highways. The unseen trucker, known only as "Rusty Nail," is relentless in his pursuit, escalating the stakes with each deadly game. "Joy Ride" mirrors "Jeepers Creepers" in its synthesis of road-trip suspense and the creeping dread of being stalked by an unyielding predator. In both narratives, a lighthearted journey turns nightmarish, emphasizing the unforeseen dangers that lurk in the unseen.

CAST

Paul Walker

Paul Walker

Steve Zahn

Steve Zahn

Leelee Sobieski

Leelee Sobieski

Michael McCleery

Michael McCleery

Dell Yount

Dell Yount

Rachel Singer

Rachel Singer

Jim Beaver

Jim Beaver

Jessica Bowman

Jessica Bowman

Stuart Stone

Stuart Stone

Basil Wallace

Basil Wallace

Directed by John Dahl
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Rotten tomatoes67%
iMBD64
Metacritic6.3

While on a road trip through a remote desert, the Carter family's car breaks down, leaving them stranded. As darkness descends, they're hunted by a clan of deformed cannibals that have thrived in the nuclear wastelands. The desolation becomes both a battleground and a trap, with escape seeming increasingly futile. The film's premise, much like "Jeepers Creepers," hinges on the terror of isolation and the emergence of predators from the fringes of society. Both movies showcase families fighting for survival against seemingly insurmountable odds, where the wilderness conceals monsters in human form.

CAST

Martin Speer

Martin Speer

Russ Grieve

Russ Grieve

John Steadman

John Steadman

James Whitworth

James Whitworth

Virginia Vincent

Virginia Vincent

Michael Berryman

Michael Berryman

Janus Blythe

Janus Blythe

Lance Gordon

Cordy Clark

Directed by Wes Craven

More Hidden Gems Like 'Jeepers Creepers'

In the vast expanse of horror cinema, some gems often remain hidden in the shadows. These underrated movies, while lesser-known, pack a punch equal to their mainstream counterparts.

Dive into this section to uncover films that deserve more acclaim, echoing the haunting tones of "Jeepers Creepers" with their unique twists.

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Rotten tomatoes52%
iMBD64
Metacritic6.4

In the deep heart of Texas, the FBI becomes privy to a confounding tale of religious fervor and familial duty. "Frailty" dives into the chilling story of the Meiks brothers, raised by a father convinced of his divine mission to exterminate demons disguised as humans. As the narrative unfolds, we're taken on a spiral of faith, murder, and revelations, questioning the fine line between madness and divine purpose. Much like "Jeepers Creepers," this film weaves a tale rife with suspense and grim undertones, thrusting family members into horrifying situations. The lurking malevolence, akin to the lurking Creeper, gives audiences a reason to glance over their shoulders long after the credits roll.

CAST

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

Powers Boothe

Powers Boothe

Matt O'Leary

Matt O'Leary

Jeremy Sumpter

Jeremy Sumpter

Luke Askew

Luke Askew

Levi Kreis

Levi Kreis

Derk Cheetwood

Derk Cheetwood

Missy Crider

Missy Crider

Alan Davidson

Directed by Bill Paxton
Image
Rotten tomatoes79%
Metacritic6.9

Jessica, a troubled young woman, finds herself aboard a yacht trip that soon turns into a nightmarish loop of events. After a storm capsizes their boat, the survivors board a seemingly deserted ship, only to be haunted by a malevolent force that stalks them in repetitive sequences of terror. As Jessica unravels the enigmatic puzzle, the boundaries of time and reality blur, plunging her into a state of desperation and confusion. "Triangle" captivates with its intricate plot and eerie ambiance, echoing "Jeepers Creepers" in its relentless pursuit and an atmosphere laden with suspense. Just as the Creeper never truly lets g, the sinister force aboard the ship ensures there's no easy escape.

CAST

Melissa George

Melissa George

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth

Emma Lung

Emma Lung

Rachael Carpani

Rachael Carpani

Michael Dorman

Michael Dorman

Joshua McIvor

Joshua McIvor

Henry Nixon

Henry Nixon

Jack Taylor

Jack Taylor

Bryan Probets

Bryan Probets

Directed by Christopher Smith
Image
Rotten tomatoes74%
iMBD57
Metacritic6.3

A group of old college friends embarks on a hiking trip in the dense forests of Northern Europe, intending to bond and commemorate a deceased friend. However, as they venture deeper, they stumble upon an ancient, malevolent force lurking in the woods. The unsettling atmosphere, combined with a mounting sense of dread, mirrors "Jeepers Creepers" as both films portray characters inadvertently encountering an inescapable evil in remote settings. The creature's ominous presence and the unraveling mysteries echo the terror and suspense that fans of "Jeepers Creepers" would appreciate.

CAST

Rafe Spall

Rafe Spall

Arsher Ali

Arsher Ali

Robert James-Collier

Robert James-Collier

Sam Troughton

Sam Troughton

Paul Reid

Paul Reid

Matthew Needham

Matthew Needham

Jacob James Beswick

Jacob James Beswick

Maria Erwolter

Maria Erwolter

Hilary Reeves

Hilary Reeves

Peter Liddell

Peter Liddell

Directed by David Bruckner
Image
Rotten tomatoes67%
iMBD58
Metacritic6.4

When an asbestos removal crew starts working in an abandoned mental asylum, they uncover a series of disturbing audio recordings. These tapes slowly reveal the institution's dark history and the madness that once consumed its halls. As the crew's own sanity begins to fray, the line between reality and delusion blurs. Just as "Jeepers Creepers" delves into the terrifying past of The Creeper, "Session 9" explores the chilling remnants of past atrocities. The eeriness of forgotten places and the haunting pasts they conceal draw parallels between the two films.

CAST

Peter Mullan

Peter Mullan

David Caruso

David Caruso

Stephen Gevedon

Stephen Gevedon

Josh Lucas

Josh Lucas

Brendan Sexton III

Brendan Sexton III

Paul Guilfoyle

Paul Guilfoyle

Larry Fessenden

Larry Fessenden

Charley Broderick

Lonnie Farmer

Lonnie Farmer

Sheila Stasack

Sheila Stasack

Directed by Brad Anderson
Image
Rotten tomatoes96%
Metacritic6.3

Presented as a faux documentary, "Lake Mungo" chronicles a grieving family's journey as they grapple with the mysterious death of their daughter, Alice. As they delve deeper, they uncover haunting secrets and unsettling footage that suggests something supernatural might be at play. The film's slow-burn mystery, combined with an ever-present sense of dread, makes it a spine-chilling experience. Similar to "Jeepers Creepers," both movies revolve around unraveling a dark mystery tied to the main antagonist. The haunting revelations and the atmosphere of both films are bound to captivate those who relish the suspense and eeriness of "Jeepers Creepers."

CAST

Rosie Traynor

David Pledger

Martin Sharpe

Tania Lentini

Cameron Strachan

Judith Roberts

Robin Cuming

Marcus Costello

Chloe Armstrong

Carole Patullo

Directed by Joel Anderson
Image
Rotten tomatoes75%
Metacritic6.5

When the Harrington family decides to take a shortcut during their Christmas Eve drive, they unknowingly embark on a journey they won't soon forget. As they venture further down the deserted road, mysterious occurrences begin, and they encounter a spectral woman in white. The family's desperation grows with each twist and turn, as does the realization that they might never escape this endless highway of horror. Much like "Jeepers Creepers," "Dead End" thrives on the fear of the unknown and the looming presence of an unseen terror. Both movies utilize the unsettling atmosphere of desolate roads, where the protagonists are trapped in a nightmarish situation with seemingly no escape.

CAST

Ray Wise

Ray Wise

Lin Shaye

Lin Shaye

Mick Cain

Mick Cain

Alexandra Holden

Alexandra Holden

William Rosenfeld

William Rosenfeld

Amber Smith

Amber Smith

Karen S. Gregan

Karen S. Gregan

Sharon Madden

Sharon Madden

Steve Valentine

Steve Valentine

Jimmie F. Skaggs

Jimmie F. Skaggs

Directed by Jean-Baptiste Andrea
Image
Rotten tomatoes88%
Metacritic5.8

Tricia's husband has been missing for seven years. When she's about to declare him legally dead 'in absentia', her younger sister Callie discovers a mysterious tunnel nearby that might be linked to other unexplained disappearances. As they delve deeper into the enigma, they confront a supernatural force that challenges their sanity and safety. Echoing "Jeepers Creepers," "Absentia" blends mystery with suspense, revealing dark and disturbing truths about a lurking menace. Both films introduce an ancient and powerful entity that preys on unsuspecting victims, creating a chilling connection between the known and the unimaginable.

CAST

Katie Parker

Katie Parker

Courtney Bell

Courtney Bell

Morgan Peter Brown

Morgan Peter Brown

Dave Levine

Dave Levine

Justin Gordon

Justin Gordon

Doug Jones

Doug Jones

Connie Ventress

Ian Gregory

Erin Cipolletti

Damon Pfaff

Directed by Mike Flanagan
Image
Rotten tomatoes80%
Metacritic5.4

Kathy and her young daughter, Lizzy, find themselves stranded on a rainy, deserted road after a car accident. Night falls, and they soon realize they're not alone— a malevolent creature lurks in the woods, stalking them with sinister intent. The film explores the strained relationship between mother and daughter while they fight for survival against an external evil. Much like "Jeepers Creepers," "The Monster" uses the vulnerability of being stranded in a remote location as its foundation. The palpable fear of being hunted by something relentless and otherworldly is a shared tone, making both films a harrowing experience of suspense and dread.

CAST

Zoe Kazan

Zoe Kazan

Ella Ballentine

Ella Ballentine

Aaron Douglas

Aaron Douglas

Christine Ebadi

Marc Hickox

Scott Speedman

Scott Speedman

Chris Webb

Chris Webb

Directed by Bryan Bertino

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Lila Sommers

About Lila Sommers

Lila is your media maven with a passion for the extraordinary! Spot her at the local bookstore or crafting her own stories on lazy Sunday afternoons. From indie flicks to hidden gem tracks, Lila's knack for weaving words and tunes is unmatched, making her your ultimate companion in the exciting world of media and entertainment.

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