Terror Films Releasing has officially re-teamed with writer-director Dean Jacobs (The Trip) for his newest indie horror feature, Water Rites. The folk horror is set to make its worldwide streaming debut this August, bringing a secluded lakefront nightmare directly to digital platforms.
The film follows a young couple seeking a quiet summer escape at an isolated lakeside community. However, their idyllic retreat quickly unravels. Soon, they unearth a sinister secret harbored by the locals. This sets off a chain of events from which neither may ever return.
A Powerhouse Cast of Genre Legends
Water Rites boasts an extraordinary ensemble that bridges legendary horror heritage with fresh talent, anchoring its unsettling story in powerhouse performances.
Dee Wallace: Widely celebrated as one of cinema’s most beloved scream queens and character actresses, Wallace’s storied career includes her iconic role as Mary in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, alongside undisputed horror classics like Joe Dante’s The Howling, Lewis Teague’s Cujo, and Stephen Herek’s Critters.
Michael Berryman: A true titan of genre filmmaking, Berryman’s striking screen presence made him an instant icon as Pluto in Wes Craven’s original The Hills Have Eyes. His resume includes the Oscar-winning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Deadly Blessing, and John Hughes’ Weird Science.
Lynn Lowry: A legendary figure in 1970s cult horror, Lowry earned her genre royalty credentials starring in George A. Romero’s outbreak classic The Crazies, David Cronenberg’s body-horror debut Shivers, and the grindhouse staple I Drink Your Blood.
The legends are joined by Katy Bentz, the film’s protagonist. She has long been the voice of Steph from the Life is Strange video game franchise. She also stars in the 2026 film Unwinding.
Hitchcockian Suspense Meets Modern Folk Horror
Director Dean Jacobs designed Water Rites as a tension-filled slow burn. It takes heavy inspiration from atmospheric psychological thrillers and classic British folk horror.
“Think of Water Rites as a boat ride,” Jacobs said of the film’s vision. “You don’t go out on a boat expecting it to storm… but it might. With this film, I wanted to capture the natural beauty of the setting and juxtapose it against the darker tone of the story. I hope Water Rites offers a new and modern take on a familiar genre, with a bit of a twist.”
Jacobs cited influences ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to cult and modern horror milestones like Misery, The Shining, and Midsommar.
“With veteran actors Dee Wallace, Michael Berryman, and Lynn Lowry in the supporting cast and Katy Bentz as the lead, the world we created really comes to life. So find a seat and settle in for the ride… there could be rough waters ahead.”
How and Where to Stream
Terror Films Releasing will launch Water Rites across major digital and ad-supported streaming platforms on August 28, 2026, including Tubi, Chilling, The Roku Channel, and Fandango at Home. Check out the official trailer and poster before taking the plunge into the deep end this fall.
