Prepare yourself for a chilling journey into the unnerving true story behind a seemingly ordinary grandmother who hid a horrifying secret. The true-crime horror film "Dorothea" is set for a Halloween theatrical release, promising to captivate audiences with its dark and disturbing narrative. But here's where it gets controversial: how can one reconcile the warmth of a grandmotherly figure with the cold brutality of a serial killer?
Epic Pictures’ horror division, Dread, is bringing "Dorothea" to cinemas on Halloween, followed by a video-on-demand release on November 4. Written and directed by Chad Ferrin, the film stars Susan Priver (known for "Night Caller"), with a strong supporting cast including Lew Temple ("The Walking Dead"), Brinke Stevens ("House on Haunted Hill"), Ginger Lynn ("The Devil’s Rejects"), Brenda James ("Slither"), Cassandra Gava ("Conan the Barbarian"), Cyril O’Reilly ("Porky’s"), Ezra Buzzington ("The Artist"), and Robert Miano ("Fast & Furious").
"Dorothea" dives deep into the true and terrifying tale of Dorothea Puente, a grandmother who ran a boarding house in the 1980s. What seemed like a safe haven was, in reality, a deadly trap where she systematically drugged, murdered, and buried her elderly and disabled tenants in her garden. The film marks the second installment in Dread’s bold series of true-crime horror features, following this year’s exploration of Ed Kemper, with a future project focusing on the notorious serial killer Richard Ramirez.
The exclusive trailer, available through The Hollywood Reporter, offers a haunting glimpse into the film’s eerie atmosphere and chilling story.
Patrick Ewald, CEO of Dread and executive producer of "Dorothea," emphasizes the film's raw intensity, stating, "This movie is the second in our uncompromising series that delves into humanity’s darkest shadows. Chad Ferrin’s direction effectively immerses viewers in the period when these spine-chilling events unfolded, capturing not just the look and feel, but the psychological landscape of that time with a unique artistic vision."
Ewald adds, "Our upcoming project with Chad, focusing on Richard Ramirez — the Night Stalker — will take our true-crime horror collection to even greater depths, uncovering the terror and truth behind one of history’s most chilling criminals."
Are you ready to face the unsettling reality behind a grandmother's mask? How do stories like these change the way we perceive trust and safety in everyday roles? Share your thoughts—do you think films like "Dorothea" help us understand evil better, or do they risk sensationalizing tragedy?
