Podcast Knifepoint Horror’s most chilling episode, Lockbox, has been adapted for the big screen

Soren Narnia’s podcast Knifepoint Horror (part of the Spectrevision Radio network) tells the best short-form horror around. The narration is understated, the stories riveting, and the entire project a perfect example of how indie horror is where the magic’s happening. Most episodes feature an enigmatic, one-word title that doesn’t give much away. And one of the most terrifying is called “lockbox.”

Told through various perspectives, with the voice talents of Linda Wojtonick, Eric Dantley, and many more, “lockbox” tells the story of Ellen Hershbergan, an ordinary woman who takes in her troubled cousin, Winthrop. When their neighbour is found brutally murdered, Winthrop is the first suspect – but his trial ends in a hung jury.

Whatever returns to Ellen’s home is very different than the cousin who left, and for the first time, Ellen is afraid. What follows is a chilling exploration of possession but also of love and loyalty. A nuanced take on disability in horror, “lockbox” asks the question: what can we do with the evil in this world?

Now, a film version of “lockbox” (with the same title, though Winthrop was considered) recently opened in theaters. The film is directed by Daniel Stamm, a German filmmaker known for The Last Exorcism (2010) and Prey For the Devil (2022). Lou Taylor Pucci (You, Evil Dead [2013]) stars as Winthrop, alongside Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Gerald’s Game) as well as Ellen and Katherine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps, American Mary) as Vauna. The film promises to follow the storyline of the episode quite closely, though it remains to be seen if it can capture Narnia’s deft storytelling.

Lockbox is now in theaters.