‘The Acolyte’ Director’s New Thriller Officially Scores ‘The Wheel of Time’ Star

One of the finest horror movies of this century is Coralie Fargeat's The Substance, a bold, unapologetic body horror explosion that defied both critical and commercial expectations. Landman star Demi Moore was the favorite to take home the Best Actress trophy at the Academy Awards, and although she just missed out to Anora's Mikey Madison, her visceral performance is still one of the best of the decade. It's true that the body horror genre is perfect for shining female performances.

So what's next on the body horror menu? Filmmaker Leslye Headland, who is best known for bringing to life the controversial Star Wars story The Acolyte, will tackle an adaptation of the 2022 Finnish horror movie Hatching, titled Feed. According to reports, award-winning British writer Daniella Isaacs will work alongside Headland, best known for the hit 10-part BBC Sounds audio drama People Who Knew Me, starring Rosamund Pike and Hugh Laurie.

Feed will bring Isaacs back together with The Wheel of Time star Pike, who is set to both star in the body horror film and produce through her Primitive Streak banner. "Long have I wanted to make a film that plays anarchically with our obsession with social media and self-improvement, our desire for fame without notable admirable skill and, let’s put it out there, the monstrosity of modern motherhood," said Pike in a statement, adding, "Feed deals with all these things." Headland said:

"Daniella’s script is audacious, disturbing and deeply human and Rosamund is among the boldest actors working today. I couldn’t ask for better partners to take on the darker corners of this story and I feel incredibly lucky to be making this film with two women whose work I admire so much."

What Is 'Feed' About?

The body horror subgenre is often overlooked for its storytelling. For body horror not to seem exploitative, it must be grounded in an intelligent, often pressing story. So what is Feed about? "When a desperate mother discovers an obscure collagen supplement that promises to make her tween gymnast daughter an influencer star," the synopsis for the film reads, "the fame and success they crave come fast." It continues, "But as her daughter goes viral, she begins a monstrous transformation." This monstrous transformation will provide the crux of not just the visual horror but the poignant themes at the heart of Feed.