“Bloody Tennis”: Supernatural Horror Grips Tennis Courts

Nikias Chryssos, the Greek-German filmmaker known for his distinctive cinematic style, is poised to make a significant impact on the international horror scene with his latest feature, the supernatural body-horror film titled “Bloody Tennis.” The project has garnered early attention as The Playmaker has acquired international sales rights, setting the stage for its official launch at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM). This development highlights the film’s potential to resonate with a global audience drawn to unique genre narratives.

“Bloody Tennis”: A Deep Dive into Supernatural Body-Horror

“Bloody Tennis” ventures into the unsettling world of elite sports, pushing the boundaries of competitive ambition into disturbing, supernatural territory. The narrative centers on Sophie, portrayed by Sandra Guldberg Kampp, who is admitted to a prestigious tennis academy located in southern Europe. Far from a typical coming-of-age sports drama, Sophie quickly confronts not only the intense brutality from her fellow teammates but also the increasingly sinister undercurrents permeating the institution. The academy, it appears, takes competitive sports to an extreme, fostering an environment where only the most relentless can thrive. The film integrates elements of body-horror, featuring unsettling details like blood-sucking leeches and hard-hitting serves, hinting at a grotesque transformation or manipulation within this high-stakes environment. This unique blend promises a narrative rich in psychological tension and visceral horror.

The Visionary Behind the Lens: Nikias Chryssos

Nikias Chryssos brings a proven track record of creating compelling and unconventional cinema to “Bloody Tennis.” His 2015 breakthrough feature, “Der Bunker,” premiered at the Berlinale and later earned the Next Wave Award for Best Feature at Fantastic Fest in Austin, establishing his distinct voice in genre filmmaking. Chryssos’ second feature, “A Pure Place,” developed through the Résidence du Festival de Cannes, premiered at the Munich Film Festival where he received an award for best director. These previous works showcase his ability to craft narratives that are often described as intoxicating, absurd, and darkly comic, consistently presenting audiences with bold, disturbing visions that challenge and reward in equal measure. “Bloody Tennis” marks Chryssos’ English-language directorial debut, signifying a new chapter in his career.

A Talented Ensemble Cast and Creative Team

The film features a notable cast that contributes to its international appeal. Leading the ensemble is Sandra Guldberg Kampp, known for her role in “Foundation.” She is joined by Golden Globe nominee Helena Zengel, recognized for “News of the World” and “The Legend of Ochi.” The cast also includes Lucie Zhang from “Paris, 13th District,” Lily Taieb who appeared in “The French Dispatch” and “Bergman Island,” Tracy Gotoas, Elina Löwensohn of “Schindler’s List” fame, and Zlatko Burić from “Triangle of Sadness.” Complementing the visual and narrative elements is an original score by Jim Williams, whose work on films such as “Titane,” “Raw,” and “Possessor” has established his prowess in crafting atmospheric and impactful scores for genre cinema.

The Playmaker Takes “Bloody Tennis” to AFM

The Playmaker, a key player in international film sales, has acquired the rights to “Bloody Tennis,” signaling confidence in its global market potential. The firm is set to launch international sales for the film at the American Film Market (AFM) in Los Angeles. Moritz Hemminger, head of sales and acquisitions at The Playmaker, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with Augenschein, highlighting Nikias Chryssos’ original directorial style. He anticipates that international distributors will find “Bloody Tennis” to be a wild, bloody, and highly entertaining horror film. This strategic move aims to position the film prominently among buyers and distributors worldwide.

Production Background and Support

“Bloody Tennis” is a German production, brought to fruition by Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo of Augenschein, known for productions like “The Assessment” and “Mother Mary.” The film is a co-production with Port au Prince Film & Kultur Produktion, which also serves as its German distributor. Further support for the project comes from Film-und Medienstiftung and the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF), underscoring a strong foundation of national and regional backing. Producer Jonas Katzenstein from Augenschein emphasized the unmistakable visual style of Nikias Chryssos’ films, praising their intoxicating, absurd, and darkly comic qualities. He conveyed excitement about continuing the collaboration with such a singular talent and partnering with The Playmaker and the entire filmmaking team.

Conclusion

“Bloody Tennis” stands out as a promising new entry in the supernatural body-horror genre, leveraging Nikias Chryssos’ distinctive vision and a talented cast and crew. With The Playmaker championing its international sales at the American Film Market, the film is poised to capture the attention of a global audience eager for inventive and unsettling narratives. Its exploration of extreme competition within an elite setting, combined with supernatural and body-horror elements, suggests a cinematic experience that is both thought-provoking and viscerally engaging, solidifying Chryssos’ reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary cinema.