A24 announces next horror film Altar, a terrifying take on a coming-of-age story

A24 is teaming up with Chernin Entertainment and award-winning Russian director Egor Abramenko (Sputnik) to produce its next terrifying horror film, Altar. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but 1428 Elm has learned that the script, written by Will Soodik (Westworld), is based on a short story by Philip Fracassi.

Set during a momentous summer in a young boy's life, Altar sounds like a twisted coming-of-age story where he is "forced to grow up faster than he ever imagined." Actress Lily Collias (Good One) will star alongside newcomer Hudson Behling. They will be joined by stars like January Jones (Mad Men), David Krumholtz (Oppenheimer), and Kyle MacLachlan (Fallout).

Fracassi is a Bram Stoker-nominated author who has written many acclaimed stories and novels, including the award-winning collection Behold the Void and novels like Gothic, Boys in the Valley, and the upcoming The Third Rule of Time Travel.

In 2022, Deadline reported that his short story "Death, My Old Friend" had been optioned for a feature film. This story is about a boy sparking "an unlikely relationship with the personification of Death. As they grow older, and Death begins taking those closest to him, he is forced to question the sinister nature of their friendship."

That sounds similar to the conceit for Altar, so it may be the short story forming the basis of the upcoming A24 film, but I'm only speculating.

Abramenko is best known for directing commercials and music videos in Russia. His first feature film, the horror sci-fi thriller Sputnik, premiered in the US via IFC Films in 2020 and is currently available to rent or purchase.

A24 has two horror movies slated for the remaining months of 2024, including Brandy's The Front Room in September and Heretic starring Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East in November.

Stay tuned to 1428 Elm for updates on Altar as this story develops. To stay up to date on thrillers, sci-fi, and horror, bookmark 1428 Elm and follow our Facebook page and Twitter account!