Home / Arts and Entertainment / Shudder to Release Unsettling Horror Fable 'The Holy Boy' in 2026
Shudder to Release Unsettling Horror Fable 'The Holy Boy' in 2026
30 Sep
Summary
- 'The Holy Boy' acquired by Shudder for North America, UK, and Ireland
- Follows a teacher investigating a disturbing ritual in a secluded Italian village
- Directed by Paolo Strippoli, whose previous films won awards at Fantastic Fest
In September 2025, the horror film 'The Holy Boy' was acquired by Shudder for release in North America, the UK, and Ireland in 2026. The film, directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Strippoli, had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival last month and later screened at Fantastic Fest, where it won the Next Wave Best Director Award and the Audience Award.
'The Holy Boy' follows Sergio, a teacher tormented by his past, who is transferred to the secluded village of Remis, known as the happiest town in Italy. However, Sergio soon discovers a disturbing secret: the villagers gather weekly to hug Matteo, an introverted 15-year-old boy whose embrace can free them from all pain and sorrow. As Sergio attempts to rescue Matteo, whom the villagers call the "Angel of Remis," he ignites the community's vengeful nature.
Prior to 'The Holy Boy,' Strippoli co-directed the Netflix film 'A Classic Horror Story,' which won Best Director at the Taormina Film Festival, and also helmed the psychological horror film 'Piove,' which competed at several festivals. In a statement, Strippoli expressed his excitement about Shudder bringing 'The Holy Boy' to a wider, passionate audience, as the film explores the human relationship with pain and the consequences of seeking shortcuts to avoid it.
