Horror thriller ‘Mother Knows Best’ has wrapped production in Auckland, New Zealand, with Frankie Adams, Rhona Mitra and Keisha Castle-Hughes leading the cast. The film, directed by Kiel McNaughton from a screenplay by John Argall, was produced by Kerry Warkia.
Essential Film Group has boarded international sales ahead of Cannes. The story follows Talia (Adams), who, after surviving a near-fatal encounter in the Pacific, gives birth to a premature daughter tied to an ancient prophecy. She travels to her partner’s remote family estate for Christmas, uncovering a sinister connection between her child, Pacific mythology and a secretive order.
The ensemble includes Māori and Pacific actors Jayden Daniels, Ariāna Osborne, James Rolleston, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Vinnie Bennett, Kawakawa Fox-Reo and Eve Palmer. McNaughton said the film ‘aims to push the boundaries of New Zealand genre filmmaking’ at the intersection of psychological horror and cultural myth.
‘Mother Knows Best’ received production funding from the New Zealand Film Commission. Umbrella Entertainment will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand, with additional support from Pacific Islanders in Communications.
