The new film *Faces of Death*, directed by Daniel Goldhaber, has been making waves since its release in theatres on April 10, 2026. However, contrary to what some might assume, this latest iteration is not a straightforward remake of the notorious 1978 title but rather a contemporary exploration of the themes associated with it. Goldhaber, speaking to PEOPLE, clarified that the film ‘is about’ *Faces of Death*, and not simply a rehash of the original.
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The 1978 film *Faces of Death* gained infamy as a mockumentary that purported to showcase real-life death scenes, including shocking moments such as fatal shootings and a sequence featuring the consumption of monkey brains. Its unsettling content led many viewers to question the authenticity of the footage, although it was ultimately revealed to be staged. Goldhaber and co-writer Isa Mazzei aim to transport this legacy into today’s digital landscape with their fresh storyline.
In the new film, Barbie Ferreira plays Margot, a content moderator working for a social media company. This character becomes embroiled in a series of grisly reenactments reminiscent of the original film’s horrifying scenes. Dacre Montgomery, known for his role in *Stranger Things*, takes on the role of a masked antagonist named Arthur. Goldhaber describes the film as a “fun, horror thriller” with nods to the stylistic elements of an ’80s slasher film.
Goldhaber has expressed his belief that while remakes can stir up mixed reactions, he feels strongly about the storytelling potential of this project. “You cannot make everybody happy,” he noted, acknowledging the polarising nature of adapting such a well-known title. He and Mazzei are confident that their narrative is both entertaining and significant, tapping into what they view as a pivotal piece of cinematic history.
The journey to create this film began in 2019 after a studio approached Goldhaber and Mazzei, who had previously worked together on the 2018 thriller *Cam*, which delves into the life of an online camgirl. The pair found themselves intrigued by the concept of content moderation—a field that has grown exponentially with the rise of the internet and social media platforms.
Mazzei commented on their initial interest in content moderation, stating that it struck her as a relevant theme, particularly for their generation. “We realised we had a compelling angle when we tied it to *Faces of Death* and the idea of a killer recreating these scenes,” she explained. This integration of content moderation into the horror genre provided a fresh perspective that the filmmakers were eager to explore.
Goldhaber shared his own experience working as a content moderator, which further informed their approach. He remarked on the shift in societal relationship to violent imagery; what was once a forbidden and rare film has now evolved into content that is pervasive and easily accessible via smartphones globally. He described the journey from a once elusive film to a concept widely available at the fingertips of audiences as a “tectonic shift.”
The new *Faces of Death* also features an impressive supporting cast, including artists Charli XCX, Josie Totah, Aaron Holliday, and Jermaine Fowler. As audiences venture into this mix of horror, nostalgia, and contemporary issues, it seems that the filmmakers have created a piece that may resonate on multiple levels.
As the film makes its rounds in cinemas, it remains to be seen how viewers will respond to this unique approach to a cult classic. However, with its modern themes and a focus on the digital realm’s influence on violence and media consumption, *Faces of Death* appears poised to capture the attention of a new generation while nodding to its infamous predecessor.