The only thing more terrifying than a cult is the inside of a courtroom. Neal McDonough (Tulsa King) and Skeet Ulrich (Five Nights at Freddy’s 2) will star in the new psychological horror film Deify. It is written by Nicholas Chimera, who co-directs with his brother Carmelo Chimera. The sibling filmmakers are also behind 2024’s Name the Demon and 2022’s Sin Eater.
Deify
The upcoming movie tells the story of a cult leader on trial after causing his followers to be burned alive. Elements of the script are reportedly based on a standoff in Waco, Texas, between members of the Branch Davidians church and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). While the ATF was trying to execute a search warrant for firearms in the compound, gunfire was exchanged. Followed by a 51-day standoff, which ended when the FBI threw tear gas into the building in an attempt to force the Branch Davidians out. Shortly after, the compound’s epicenter became engulfed in flames, killing 76 civilians, including 20-28 children.
Deify is set to begin filming in Chicago, with Ulrich playing the enigmatic cult leader. A man so out of touch with reality he thinks he is taking commands directly from God. McDonough plays an assistant attorney general who puts his full faith in the hands of the justice system.
Courtroom Horror
Given how many people fear the legal system, it’s kind of surprising that more horror movies don’t take place in a courtroom setting. The most notable examples are 1997’s The Devil’s Advocate, 2005’s The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and 2007’s An American Crime. To be fair, the third film is more of a drama, but what happened during the real case it’s based on was so horrific that many classify it as a horror film. We’d also like to point out that The Devil’s Advocate is the only movie in this category not based (to some degree) on real-world tragedies. Showing once again that truth is more terrifying than fiction could ever hope to be.
Jordan Gianeschi will produce Deify alongside Jacob Rice and Mike Manning. McDonough will executive produce alongside his wife, Ruvé McDonough.
At this time, there is no set release window for Deify. We’ll keep you posted on updates about this project as it develops.
