Steadvar — News without the noise

Privacy · Terms · About

© 2026 Steadvar. All rights reserved.

Horror Thriller 'Mother Knows Best' Wraps Production in New Zealand

Entertainment4/30/2026
Share

Similar Articles

Production Begins on Horror Thriller "Hide and Don't Speak" in Northern Ireland

Entertainment4/28/2026

Indonesian-Australian Producer Intan Kieflie Launches Horror Slate at Cannes Film Market

EntertainmentBusiness1d ago

Supernatural Horror Film 'Hide and Don't Speak' Enters Production in Northern Ireland

Entertainment8h ago

Blue Finch Films Acquires Global Sales Rights to Indonesian Action Thriller 'Queen of Malacca'

EntertainmentBusiness5/1/2026

New Horror Film 'The Things We Hide' Begins Production with Angela Sarafyan and Manny Montana

Entertainment2d ago

Production has concluded in Auckland for the horror thriller 'Mother Knows Best,' which was filmed discreetly. The film, featuring a cast led by Frankie Adams and including prominent Māori and Pacific actors, is set for international sales at Cannes and will be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Umbrella Entertainment.

Facts First

  • Production has wrapped in Auckland for the horror thriller 'Mother Knows Best,' which was shot 'under the radar'.
  • Frankie Adams leads the cast, which includes Rhona Mitra, Keisha Castle-Hughes, and an ensemble of Māori and Pacific actors.
  • Essential Film Group is handling international sales ahead of the Cannes festival and provided finance for the project.
  • Umbrella Entertainment will distribute the film in Australia and New Zealand.
  • The plot follows a mother uncovering a connection between her daughter, an ancient prophecy, and a sinister order.

What Happened

Production for the horror thriller film 'Mother Knows Best' has recently wrapped in Auckland, New Zealand. The film was shot 'under the radar' and is directed by Kiel McNaughton from a screenplay by John Argall. It was produced by Kerry Warkia. Essential Film Group has boarded international sales ahead of the Cannes film festival and provided finance for the project. Umbrella Entertainment will handle distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

Why this Matters to You

If you enjoy horror and thriller films with diverse casts and international settings, this project may expand your viewing options in the coming year. The involvement of the New Zealand Film Commission and Pacific Islanders in Communications suggests a focus on authentic regional storytelling, which could lead to a unique cinematic experience. The film's planned presence at Cannes indicates it may be positioned for wider international release.

What's Next

The film is likely to be presented to buyers at the Cannes film festival by Essential Film Group. Following this, audiences in Australia and New Zealand can expect a release through Umbrella Entertainment, though specific dates are not yet announced. The completion of production moves the project into its post-production and marketing phases.

Perspectives

“
The Director asserts that the film is an ambitious project designed to "push the boundaries of New Zealand genre filmmaking" by blending psychological horror with cultural myth.
“
The Director emphasizes the high quality of the production, noting that the film is being brought to life by an "extraordinary cast" featuring Māori and Pacific actors that makes the project "very special."