Alyla Browne to Star in Horror Film ‘From Below’

Alyla Browne, recognized for her compelling portrayal of young Furiosa in the recent ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,’ is set to take on the lead role in the upcoming Australian psychological horror film, ‘From Below.’ This development marks a significant step for the young actress, as Cornerstone secures worldwide sales for the project, launching it at the American Film Market (AFM).

Alyla Browne Takes Lead in “From Below”

Alyla Browne’s burgeoning career continues to gain momentum with her casting in ‘From Below.’ Her performance as the younger version of the titular character in ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ garnered considerable attention, showcasing her acting prowess in a high-profile production. Beyond her role in the Mad Max universe, Browne has also appeared in notable films such as ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ and ‘Sting,’ solidifying her status as a rising talent in the industry. Her latest venture into the psychological horror genre with ‘From Below’ positions her in a challenging lead role, promising to further demonstrate her versatility.

“From Below”: A Deep Dive into Australian Psychological Horror

‘From Below’ is poised to be a distinct entry into the psychological horror landscape, set against the unforgiving and vast backdrop of the Australian Outback. The narrative centers on 15-year-old Riley, played by Browne, who is traveling across the Outback with her father. Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they encounter two seemingly abandoned vehicles at an isolated desert crossing.

The core of the horror unfolds when an unseen entity drags Riley’s father away, leaving her in a desperate fight for survival. The creature she faces is particularly insidious, being visible only to its next victim, which amplifies the psychological tension and existential dread of the plot. The screenplay for ‘From Below’ reportedly blends elements of survival thriller, creature feature, and Outback horror, aiming to transcend familiar genre tropes. The script has already garnered attention, featuring on The Black List and trending for six weeks under “Top Horror Scripts”.

The Creative Minds Behind the Camera

The film marks the feature debut for writer-director Sean Loch, who has previously received acclaim for his short films, including ‘Rear View Mirror,’ ‘Leech,’ and ‘Sleepwalker,’ the latter earning him best director honors at the Short & Sweet Film Festival. Loch’s collaboration with filmmaker Joel Anderson, known for ‘Lake Mungo’ and his contributions to ‘Late Night With the Devil,’ during the development process suggests a commitment to crafting a nuanced and impactful horror experience.

Producing ‘From Below’ is Sam Price for Pathline Pictures, continuing her partnership with Loch from his earlier short film projects. The executive producer team includes Natalie Coleman, formerly the head of investments at Head Gear, alongside Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder from Cornerstone. This collective experience brings a robust blend of creative vision and industry expertise to the project.

Cornerstone Handling Global Sales at AFM

Cornerstone has taken on the crucial role of handling worldwide sales for ‘From Below,’ officially launching sales efforts at the American Film Market (AFM). The involvement of Cornerstone, known for its discerning taste in identifying standout projects, underscores the film’s potential to resonate with international audiences and distributors. Mark Gooder of Cornerstone has expressed confidence in Sean Loch’s talent, highlighting the script’s originality, surprising twists, and inherent tension.

Production Details and Support

Production for ‘From Below’ is slated to commence next year in Queensland, Australia. The project has received support through Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance and Development funds, indicating local industry backing for the film. The choice of Birdsville, Queensland, as a primary filming location emphasizes the film’s commitment to portraying an authentic and unforgiving Outback environment, crucial for the story’s survival and horror elements.

‘From Below’ presents an intriguing prospect for fans of psychological horror and Australian cinema. With a talented young lead in Alyla Browne, an emerging director with a distinct vision in Sean Loch, and the strategic backing of Cornerstone and Screen Queensland, the film is set to deliver a compelling and terrifying narrative from the heart of the Australian Outback.