Emily Mortimer and Bella Heathcote Face a Terrifying Family Haunting in Indie Horror Sensation 'Relic'

The Full Trailer for 'Relic' Has Arrived – and It's Absolutely Terrifying

There's nothing under the bed, Mum. But there's something far worse in the house. IFC Midnight has just dropped the full-length official trailer for Relic, the indie horror thriller that became one of the most talked-about films at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. And let us tell you: this is not your average jump-scare fest. This is a slow-burn, emotionally devastating horror that uses supernatural elements to mirror the real-life terror of dementia. The teaser was creepy, but the full trailer unleashes a level of dread that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.

A Story of Three Generations Confronting Darkness

Relic follows the disappearance of Edna (Robyn Nevin), an elderly widowed matriarch who goes missing from her remote family home. Her daughter Kay (Emily Mortimer) and granddaughter Sam (Bella Heathcote) rush to the countryside to find her. When Edna mysteriously returns, something seems off. Soon, the trio discovers a sinister presence slowly taking over the house – and Edna herself. The film weaves a painful metaphor for dementia into a classic haunted-house story, and early critics have been raving about its emotional punch and genuine scares.

• Starring: Emily Mortimer, Bella Heathcote, Robyn Nevin, Chris Bunton, Steve Rodgers
• Director: Natalie Erika James (feature debut)
• Premiered: Sundance Film Festival 2020 (Midnight section)
• US Release: July 10, 2020 (select theaters + VOD)

The Cast Delivers Career-Defining Performances

Emily Mortimer, known for her work in The Newsroom, Mary Poppins Returns, and Lars and the Real Girl, brings a raw vulnerability to Kay, a daughter struggling to reconnect with her aging mother. Bella Heathcote, who stole scenes in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and The Neon Demon, plays Sam with a mix of youthful defiance and growing terror. But the real revelation is veteran Australian actress Robyn Nevin, whose portrayal of Edna is both heartbreaking and profoundly unsettling. The chemistry between these three actresses elevates the horror into a deeply personal family drama.

Director Natalie Erika James: A Bold New Voice in Horror

Japanese-Australian filmmaker Natalie Erika James makes her feature directorial debut with Relic, and the buzz around her is electric. Having honed her skills on short films and as an assistant director, James co-wrote the screenplay with Christian White. She has crafted a film that critics are calling one of the scariest of the year – not just because of its jump moments, but because of its psychological depth. The film uses the house itself as a character, with decaying walls and shifting corridors that mirror Edna's deteriorating mind. James has cited influences like The Babadook and Hereditary, but she brings her own unique cultural perspective to the genre.

The Buzz from Sundance: Critics Are Calling It a Must-See

Since its Midnight premiere at Sundance, Relic has been riding a wave of critical acclaim. Reviewers have praised its restraint, its genuine empathy for the characters, and its ability to make the audience feel the weight of family obligation. The film has been described as 'elegantly terrifying' and 'a haunted-house movie with a heart.' One critic noted that it's rare to see a horror film that deals with Alzheimer's and dementia with such sensitivity, while still delivering the scares. The full trailer only amplifies that hype, with scenes that shift from quiet domestic tension to outright nightmare fuel.

What to Expect from the Full-Length Trailer

The new trailer opens with Sam telling her mother, 'There's nothing under the bed, Mum,' a line that immediately sets up the generational dynamic. Then we see Edna wandering the house at night, muttering to herself. Shadows move. Doors open on their own. A terrifying figure appears in the hallway – but is it real or a manifestation of Edna's illness? The trailer doesn't give away too much, but it definitely promises a slow-burn horror that will have you questioning every creak in your own home. The cinematography by Charlie Sarroff is moody and claustrophobic, using tight frames that make the house feel like a trap.

Controlled Expansion: The Real-Life Fears Behind the Fiction

While Relic is a work of fiction, its core theme of dementia is all too real for many families. Director Natalie Erika James has said in interviews that she drew from her own experiences with her grandmother's decline. This personal connection gives the film an authenticity that sets it apart from typical horror fare. The movie doesn't just use dementia as a plot device; it forces the audience to sit with the uncomfortable reality of watching a loved one fade away. That emotional weight makes the supernatural elements hit even harder. In an era where horror films often rely on cheap thrills, Relic stands out as a thoughtful, character-driven piece of cinema.

When and Where to Watch 'Relic'

IFC Midnight will release Relic in select US theaters – and on VOD – starting July 10, 2020. Given the ongoing pandemic, the VOD option is likely the safest bet, but those who can catch it in theaters will experience the film's oppressive sound design and eerie visuals on a larger scale. The trailer ends with a simple message: 'You've been warned.' And we mean it. This is not a film for the faint of heart. But if you're a fan of smart, emotionally resonant horror, Relic is shaping up to be one of the most powerful films of the year – and the trailer is just the beginning.

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