Vertical has unveiled the first trailer for Pendulum, a supernatural horror that places Joseph Gordon-Levitt at the center of a creeping, spiritual mystery. The preview leans into unsettling imagery, including apparently eyeless apparitions, and hints at a slow-burn paranoia surrounding a new-age retreat in New Mexico.
Premise and cast
- Gordon-Levitt plays Patrick, who travels with his wife Abigail (Phoebe Dynevor) to a restorative retreat led by a revered mystic named Ella-Rose, portrayed by Jacki Weaver.
- The couple arrive seeking healing after a traumatic event, but Patrick grows suspicious as Abigail becomes increasingly enraptured by Ella-Rose’s methods.
- The ensemble also includes Anna Deavere Smith, Jena Malone and Norman Reedus.
Creative team and rating
- Pendulum marks the feature directing debut of Mark Heyman, who is identified with prior writing credits.
- Production credits include Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa banner, Jacob Jaffke for Motel Mojave, and Dave Caplan for C2.
- The film carries an R rating for content described as strong/bloody violent content, sexuality, drug use, nudity and language.
The trailer prioritizes atmosphere over plot specifics, offering glimpses of ritualistic sequences and unsettling supernatural elements rather than clear exposition. Heyman, speaking about the picture, framed it as a personal story with roots in events tied to New Mexico and expressed pride in the cast’s work; the production chose to shoot on location where those events occurred.
Pendulum is scheduled to open in theaters on January 1, 2027.
Source: Dread Central