The best stories are often inspired by the creator's experiences in their own lives, and the upcoming horror film I Dream of a Psychopomp is no different. Just as the events of the film are kicked off by the main character's loss, Danny Villanueva Jr. lost his mother during the scripting process.
I Dream of a Psychopomp transcends this plot device by meshing it with horrifying ghost stories. Though the main character is haunted by the spirit of his deceased wife, his dreams bring the reall terror, with a psychopomp guiding him to learn about death through supernatural tales.
Creator Villanueva Jr. had the following to say about I Dream of a Psychopomp. “Creating this film was a way to familiarize myself with death in order to ease some of its force when it knocks. Throughout the editing process, I was the primary caregiver of my dying mother who passed away from stage 4 lung cancer on Memorial Day of 2020. She was such a loving person and truly my best friend.
I found my exposure to the subject of death and understanding why it is what it is through creating this film to be helpful through the grieving process. Death has become a taboo subject in American culture. We often avoid conversations about it until it arrives, and when it does, we whisper. I think if we talk more about it, we’ll better understand it, and it can be less devastating when it comes. In a time where we are collectively grieving from the many lives lost during the pandemic, I believe this film is especially relevant today.”
Will you be checking out I Dream of a Psychopomp this month? Check out the official trailer and synopsis for the movie below, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section!
I Dream of a Psychopomp premieres August 12th on the Terror Films channel this Friday, August 12th. It will be available digitally on August 19th and on Kings of Horror on August 26th.