It’s official! The new trailer for the cult horror thriller The Observance has arrived, teasing an intense thrill ride! The film’s script was co-written by Beyond Casual principals Rob Hollocks and Amy Bailey. Hollocks also directed the film, with the duo co-producing, proving once again that true independent filmmaking is alive and thriving.
The story centers on Madison, played by Kate Dailey. Her life is absolutely obliterated after she is stuck in a five-year coma following a car accident. When she finally wakes up, she discovers her world has been drastically and terrifyingly altered.
An enigmatic religious leader has taken complete control of her home. And worse, both her husband and daughter have fallen completely under his insidious spell. But the creepiness doesn’t stop at her front door. This leader (Alex James) has managed to infect the minds of the entire town.
The impressive cast also includes Ted Raimi, Anna Borchert, Bronsonn Taylor, Darby Cappillino, Jonathan E. Simmons, and more. Qualifying the film as a must-see.
If you need proof that this film delivers the goods, look no further than its award shelf. The Observance has been making a name for itself at film festivals worldwide, earning awards and numerous accolades.
On the US circuit, it picked up an Excellence Award from Delaware’s Sci Fi Horror and Action Film Festival and walked away with Best Thriller. The film snagged Best Director honors at the Hollywood Best Indie Film Awards. It was also crowned Best Feature/Suspense Thriller by the International Horror Hotel Film Festival, where Alec James got a Best Actor nod. The film also won Best Film at both the New Jersey Mystery, Crime and Horror Film Festival and the Diabolical Horror Film Festival. It also scored an award at the Horror Haven Film Festival.
The praise crossed oceans, too! Internationally, the film was a major hit at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, where it won Best Horror/Thriller and Kate Daily and Ted Raimi won Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively. The Tokyo Film & Screenplay Awards also recognized its quality, awarding it the Best Independent Feature/Best Thriller.
Watch The Observance in AMC theaters on February 13, 2026, or at home when it lands on digital and VOD platforms on May 06, 2026. Our coverage will continue. We visited the set and have some compelling clips, interviews, and more that will be revealed over time. Stay tuned!
