‘Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story’ Star’s New Psychosexual Thriller Unveils First Look

Ella Beatty, star of Netflix’s Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, is heading into a new psychological nightmare with Act One, an upcoming psychosexual thriller directed by Black Christmas filmmaker Sophia Takal. According to Variety, Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired distribution rights to the film, which is expected to reach theaters in 2027.

Beatty stars alongside Ari Graynor in the thriller, which explores the dangerous intersection of ambition, desire, manipulation, and artistic obsession. A first look at the film has also been revealed, offering an early glimpse at the unsettling story.

What Is Act One About?

In Act One, Beatty plays Hannah, an aspiring actor who joins an elite acting studio run by Melanie, a magnetic and demanding instructor played by Graynor.

Initially captivated by Melanie’s intensity and unconventional teaching methods, Hannah throws herself into the studio’s work. But as her dedication becomes an obsession, the boundaries between performance, desire, and manipulation begin to dissolve.

Hannah soon finds herself caught in a dangerous game that forces her to confront just how far she is willing to go to become the artist she wants to be.

The film also features Sinclair Daniel (Insidious: The Red Door), Tavi Gevinson (Gossip Girl), Elizabeth Reaser (Twilight), and Robert Sean Leonard (House).

Sophia Takal Reunites With Oscilloscope Laboratories

Takal, who previously directed the 2019 remake of Black Christmas, expressed excitement about bringing Act One to audiences through Oscilloscope Laboratories.

The filmmaker also highlighted her history with the distributor, which previously released her thriller Always Shine.

Takal described the new partnership as a homecoming, praising the company’s willingness to champion distinctive films and expressing enthusiasm for audiences to see the work of the cast and crew.

Beyond Black Christmas, Takal has contributed to the horror anthology series Into the Dark, directing the installment “New Year, New You.” She also appeared in “Second Honeymoon,” a segment of the original V/H/S directed by Ti West and starring Joe Swanberg and Kate Lyn Sheil.

When Will Act One Be Released?

Oscilloscope Laboratories has secured distribution for Act One, with the film currently expected to arrive in theaters in 2027. A specific release date has not yet been announced.

With Beatty coming off her role as Lizzie Borden in Netflix’s Monster and Takal returning to psychological horror, Act One is shaping up to be a thriller worth watching.

Are you looking forward to Act One? Let us know in the comments below!