Fresh off the series “Goosebumps: The Vanishing,” star Jayden Bartels will continue hanging around in the horror world with Lullaby, a suspense thriller being directed by M.J. Bassett (“Ash vs. Evil Dead,” Silent Hill: Revelation, the upcoming Red Sonja).
Deadline details in their exclusive report, “Bartels plays Jessica, a pregnant teen who tries to take her life but is rescued by a lonely woman who nurses her back to health, with the ulterior motive of stealing the infant and then finishing off what she originally stopped.”
In addition to directing, M.J. Bassett also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Tim Sullivan with Edward A. Romero and Chris Roe. Bassett says the story has “echoes of Misery.”
“I was captivated by the depth and nuance of the characters’ journeys,” she tells Deadline. “It has echoes of [Stephen King’s] Misery, but to me is more fascinating because of its conversation about motherhood and that compelling desire to nurture – and at times possess.”
“Once I read the script, I immediately understood and felt a connection to Jessica,” said Jayden Bartels. “I was both excited and terrified for this role because just like Jessica, sometimes in order to grow into your true self, you must face your fears head on. This inspiring story coupled with MJ’s vision will leave audiences impacted long after seeing the film.”
“We are hugely excited to share Lullaby with buyers at Cannes,” said producer Ken F. Levin of NightSky Productions. “We’ve got a white-hot director, an incredibly talented young star, and a unique story that will terrify genre audiences of all ages.”