In 2019, writer and director Eric Pennycoff shared the brilliant Sadistic Intentions with the FrightFest audience. Now, Pennycoff returns to the festival with his pandemic-made battle of wills story, The Leech. Having already been snapped up for distribution by Arrow Video, The Leech is high on our list of films not to miss at FrightFest.
Father David (Graham Skipper) is a devout priest who lives by the Bible’s doctrine to be a Good Samaritan at all times, so he is more than happy to welcome a struggling homeless couple into his house during the season of goodwill. But what begins as a simple act of kindness and Christmas charity, quickly becomes the ultimate test of faith once the sanctity of his home is jeopardised.
Starring FrightFest favourite Graham Skipper, The Leech also has Pennycoff reunite with his Sadistic Intentions leads, Jeremy Gardner and Taylor Gardner. The trio of actors work beautifully together on screen, each giving some of their best work. Pennycoff matches their acting acrobatics with some stunning visual flourishes. The story is intensely uncomfortable; we’ve all had visitors outstay their welcome and The Leech perfectly captures that frustration.
THN first spoke with Pennycoff back in 2019 and were thrilled when he agreed to catch up with us. During FrightFes week, in the lead-up to the festival, THN jumped on a Zoom call with Pennycoff to discuss all aspects of The Leech. The conversation covered the logistics of making a film during the pandemic, Christmas horrors, working with Arrow, and why audiences should check out The Leech at FrightFest.
The Leech screens at Arrow Video FrightFest on Saturday 27th August at 1:15pm. Tickets for The Leech can be purchased by heading to the FrightFest website here. The Leech is being released by Arrow Video in December.
