Shudder will debut PENNY LANE IS DEAD on August 28, introducing audiences to a ferocious, darkly comedic, and blood‑splattered tribute to 1980s Australian horror. Written and directed by Mia‑kate Russell, the film marks her feature debut and channels the spirit of Ozploitation classics with a modern, character‑driven edge.
Set on a scorching summer night in 1986 Australia, the film follows Penny Lane, who is celebrating her acceptance into college with her closest friends, Toni and Amy. What begins as a joyful milestone quickly unravels when Penny’s jealous cousin Kat decides to stage a cruel prank — a spiked cupcake game meant to embarrass Penny but spiraling into something far more dangerous.
As the night descends into chaos, betrayal and rage erupt among the group, pushing Penny into a brutal fight for survival. Russell’s film blends visceral horror with emotional intensity, weaving themes of friendship, jealousy, and the consequences of cruelty into a relentless, blood‑soaked narrative.
Cast
- Sophie Wright‑Mendelsohn
- Tahlee Fereday
- Alexandra Jensen
- Bailey Spalding
- Ben O’Toole
- Steve Le Marquand
- Fletcher Humphrys
Filmmaking Team
Written & Directed by: Mia‑kate Russell
Executive Producers: Jeff Harrison, Miet Engelhardt, John Sheedy, Joel Anderson, Jonathan Kier, Matt Brodie
Producers: Julie Ryan, Ari Harrison, Andre Lima, Carly Maple
Director of Photography: Liam Gilmour
Genre: Horror
Language: English
Runtime: 88 minutes
