Filmmaker Cassie Keet (Scream Therapy) is bringing her unique vision back to her home state of Arkansas with her highly anticipated second feature, Abigail Before Beatrice. This slow-burn psychological thriller is set to have its World Premiere at the prestigious Bentonville Film Festival!
A Haunting Confrontation with the Past
Abigail Before Beatrice stars Olivia Taylor Dudley (Touch Me, “The Magicians”) as an isolated woman whose quiet existence is completely upended by a visitor from the past, played by Riley Dandy (Things Will Be Different, Christmas Bloody Christmas). This powerful duo leads a talented cast that also includes Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, and Molly Jackson.
The film delves into the unsettling question: What happens when your search for love and acceptance leads you into a toxic relationship, and how do you move on when you can’t let go? The story unfolds as the isolated woman is confronted by her past when a fellow former cult member reaches out with news that their enigmatic leader has been released from prison early.
Abigail Before Beatrice was both written and directed by Cassie Keet, marking her sophomore directorial outing. Benjamin Dunn produced the film for Little Black Dog Entertainment, Mindy Van Kuren for Nanu Pictures, alongside New Harvest Creative. Notably, the film was shot entirely in Little Rock, utilizing mostly local talent behind the camera, and it’s an official selection in the festival’s Homegrown Competition category.
A Personal Connection to the Story
As she prepares to share the film with the world, Keet expressed her deep connection to the material: “The character of Beatrice is extremely close to my heart. Her story is about what happens when you find yourself on the other side of a toxic relationship, unable to move on because you can’t let go. I believe everyone can relate to her intense desire for love, acceptance, and community. I couldn’t have made Abigail Before Beatrice without my amazingly talented Los Angeles friends, and I’m so honored that I was able to film in my home state of Arkansas.”
Don’t miss the World Premiere of Abigail Before Beatrice at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 19th!
.
