AceShowbiz - Jessica Rothe has returned to the horror genre with the film Imposters, which premiered at SXSW and brought a truly eerie experience to its cast and crew. Known for her breakout role as Tree in Blumhouse’s Happy Death Day, Rothe has largely explored other genres recently but dives back into horror with this intense thriller.

Imposters is the first feature written and directed by Caleb Phillips. The film follows Marie, played by Rothe, and her husband Paul, portrayed by Charlie Bennett, as they face a chilling ordeal after their baby is abducted from their isolated woodland home. When Marie discovers a way to retrieve their son, she returns with him—but strange behaviors soon make Paul question if their child and even his wife are truly who they seem to be, or something far more sinister.

The cast also features Yul Vazquez in a mysterious role, adding to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Since its SXSW debut on March 15, 2026, Imposters has earned positive reviews, with critics applauding its gripping central mystery and Rothe’s compelling performance as the lead.

During a post-premiere interview at the SXSW media suite, Rothe, Vazquez, and director Phillips shared insights about filming on location in Marlborough, near Boston. The production took place in the fall, where the cast and crew enjoyed the scenic woods and seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. However, the same fondness did not extend to the house used for filming.

The house, dating back to the 1800s, was described by Phillips as “really beautiful” but also “150% haunted” by Rothe. She recounted several strange, unsettling occurrences during shooting, including paintings moving on their own and other unexplained phenomena. The crew even held a séance on their second-to-last night to address the spooky happenings, which Rothe believes were caused by a friendly ghost appreciative of their work on the film. She humorously added that no one was “too cursed—yet.”

Vazquez described the house’s design as “bananas,” noting that “nothing in that house was level,” from the floors to the doors. This posed practical challenges during filming, as Phillips confirmed the uneven floors prevented the use of a dolly for camera movement throughout the movie, complicating production logistics.

The filmmakers also discussed the intense and unexpected narrative journey Imposters takes. Director Phillips highlighted two key moments intended to provoke audible reactions from audiences, moments he believes will be hard to stay silent through. Rothe praised the film’s complex, twisty plot and the abundance of Easter eggs woven throughout, making a second viewing rewarding as viewers uncover more details and surprises.

Phillips emphasized that the movie transforms significantly upon repeat viewing, revealing new layers that enrich the experience. When asked to summarize the plot, Phillips explained it centers on a baby taken from his parents who returns under mysterious circumstances, with Marie’s journey into a supernatural cave and the ensuing doubt Paul develops about the true identity of his wife and child.

Yul Vazquez shared his motivation for joining the project, citing his previous working relationship with producer Sarah Seligman and his admiration for Phillips’ short film and creative vision. He appreciated the unpredictability of the script and the fresh perspective brought by the young director, stating that he was never ahead of the story while reading it, which he found exciting.

Phillips noted that his choice of Vazquez was influenced by the actor’s role in the TV series Severance. He admired the dichotomy in Vazquez’s character—a seemingly safe presence with a morally complex nature—which aligned well with the mysterious tone of Imposters. This duality added depth to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

As Imposters continues to gain attention following its SXSW premiere, audiences can expect a chilling, layered horror-thriller experience fueled by strong performances and an eerie production backdrop. The haunted house setting and real-life paranormal incidents only heighten the film’s haunting aura, making it a standout entry in contemporary horror cinema.

With its combination of supernatural mystery, psychological tension, and unexpected plot turns, Imposters promises to both scare and intrigue viewers, inviting them to revisit the story and uncover hidden details each time they watch. As the film prepares for wider release, fans of Jessica Rothe and horror aficionados alike have much to anticipate from this uniquely unsettling and compelling movie.