Movies - Marshmallow : A Terrifying Summer Camp Tale Arrives in Theaters This April

By Mulder, 19 february 2025

Horror fans, brace yourselves for a spine-chilling cinematic experience as Marshmallow, a new summer camp horror film, is set to haunt theaters on April 11, 2025. Directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio in his feature debut, the film promises to deliver a gripping and terrifying tale that brings an ominous campfire legend to life. Known for his work in visual storytelling, DelPurgatorio steps into the director’s chair with a film that combines classic horror elements with modern psychological terror, ensuring an unsettling experience for audiences. Produced by Hemlock Circle, the studio behind Coup! and The Re-Education of Molly Singer, this latest offering aims to solidify the studio’s reputation for crafting compelling and immersive narratives.

At the heart of Marshmallow is the story of Morgan, a shy and introverted 12-year-old, played by Kue Lawrence, who arrives at a seemingly idyllic summer camp tucked away in the wilderness. However, his hopes for a fun and carefree experience are quickly shattered when he discovers that a ghostly campfire tale, meant to entertain and frighten the campers, is far more than just fiction. As the terrifying story begins to manifest in reality, a shadowy and menacing figure starts stalking the campers, turning their summer retreat into a horrifying ordeal. Forced to band together, Morgan and his newfound friends must navigate their way through the nightmarish events unfolding around them, confronting their deepest fears and pushing their courage to the limits.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Giorgia Whigham (Ted), Alysia Reiner (Orange Is the New Black), Kai Cech (Dear Santa), and Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law), among others. In the recently released trailer, Whigham’s character ominously recounts the camp’s sinister history, warning, “There used to be cabins all throughout these woods. One of those cabins belonged to a doctor. He had this huge cellar in the basement. If you stay up too late or if you leave your cabin past curfew, you just might see the doctor.” This eerie warning sets the tone for what promises to be a tense and gripping horror film. As the trailer intensifies, Morgan is seen desperately warning others, exclaiming, “He’s the doctor! He’s real.” The suspense builds as the young campers are plunged into a terrifying struggle for survival, their reality warping into something straight out of a nightmare.

Marshmallow is penned by screenwriter Andy Greskoviak (Black Friday), who brings his knack for crafting suspenseful and engaging horror scripts to the table. The film is produced by Warner Davis and Todd M. Friedman, both of whom have a strong background in developing high-quality indie films. Cinematographer Filip Vandewal captures the eerie, moonlit atmosphere of the camp, using dark, shadowy visuals to enhance the film’s sense of foreboding. The editing, overseen by Andy Palmer, ensures that every moment of suspense is maximized, while Nicholas Elert’s haunting score underscores the film’s most chilling sequences, drawing viewers deeper into the horror.

Hemlock Circle Productions, which is set to distribute the movie in the United States, has built a reputation for supporting innovative and boundary-pushing films in various genres. With Marshmallow, they aim to continue this tradition, offering horror fans a film that blends psychological tension, supernatural dread, and relentless thrills. The movie pays homage to classic summer camp horror films while introducing a fresh and modern twist that is sure to captivate audiences.

As the horror genre continues to thrive, Marshmallow stands out as one of the most anticipated indie horror releases of the year. With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and a director eager to make his mark, this film is poised to become a must-watch for genre enthusiasts. Fans of horror classics like Friday the 13th and The Burning will likely find themselves drawn to Marshmallow’s sinister premise and atmospheric terror. Mark your calendars for April 11, when Marshmallow hits theaters and delivers a hauntingly unforgettable cinematic experience. Will you dare to venture into the woods and uncover the terrifying truth hidden within the legend?

Synopsis : 
At a secluded summer camp, Morgan, a shy and introverted 12-year-old, is thrust into a living nightmare when a legendary campfire tale becomes real. As a mysterious figure begins stalking the camp, Morgan and his newfound friends must embark on a perilous journey that will force them to confront their deepest fears and question the very nature of their existence.

Marshmallow 
Directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio
Produced by Warner Davis, Todd M. Friedman 
Written by Andy Greskoviak
Starring  Kue Lawrence, Paul Soter, Giorgia Whigham, Alysia Reiner, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Kai Cech, Max Malas, Corbin Bernsen, Pierson Fode 
Music by Nicholas Elert  
Cinematography : Filip Vandewal
Edited by Andy Palmer   
Production companies : Hemlock Circle Productions , The Warn,er Davis Company
Distributed by Hemlock Circle Productions (United States)
Release date : April 11, 2025 (United States);
Running time : NC