Carmilla (film)


Carmilla is a 2019 British romantic horror film written and directed by Emily Harris. It stars Jessica Raine, Hannah Rae, Devrim Lingnau, Tobias Menzies and Scott Silven. Set in the late 18th century, the screenplay is inspired by Sheridan Le Fanu's 1871 novella of the same name. The film had its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 28 June 2019.

Premise

Lara lives with her father and her strict governess, Miss Fontaine, in total isolation, and is struggling to find an outlet for her curiosity and burgeoning sexuality. When a carriage crash nearby brings a young woman into the family home to recuperate, Lara is enchanted by Carmilla. The pair strike up a passionate relationship, which strikes fear in the heart of Miss Fontaine, and a complex triangulate emerges between the three women.

Cast

Pre-production

On 17 August 2017, Screen Daily reported that Jessica Raine and Tobias Menzies had been cast in the film, joining Hannah Rae, Devrim Lingnau, and illusionist Scott Silven in the production.

Filming

began in East Sussex on 11 September 2017.

Release

Carmilla had its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 28 June 2019. The film was originally set to be released in the United Kingdom on 3 April 2020 by Republic Film Distribution, but has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, Film Movement acquired US distribution rights to the film.