A spine-chilling new horror film is on its way, and it promises to keep audiences at the edge of their seats. Marshmallow, an indie horror feature directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio, has officially locked in its release date, arriving in theaters on April 11, 2025. The film stars Giorgia Whigham, known for her roles in Ted and The Punisher, alongside Alysia Reiner (Orange Is the New Black) and Corbin Bernsen (L.A. Law).
The movie’s freshly released trailer teases a nightmarish journey inside a secluded summer camp, where folklore and fear intertwine. But what makes Marshmallow stand out in the crowded horror genre? Let’s break it down.
A Classic Campfire Horror Comes to Life
In Marshmallow, audiences follow the story of Morgan (Kue Lawrence), a quiet and introverted 12-year-old who arrives at a remote summer camp burdened by haunting nightmares. However, what initially seems like a normal summer getaway quickly turns sinister when a local campfire legend becomes terrifyingly real.
As the trailer hints, there’s an ominous story about a doctor who once occupied the campgrounds, experimenting on unfortunate victims in his underground cellar. Morgan and his fellow campers soon realize that the horrifying figure from that tale isn’t just folklore—he’s alive, stalking unsuspecting victims in the dead of night.
“There used to be cabins all throughout these woods,” Whigham ominously narrates in the trailer, setting the tone for what looks to be a terrifying, high-stakes horror experience. “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.”
Then, in a moment of sheer horror, the young protagonist panics and screams:
“He’s the doctor! He’s real.”
With that chilling line alone, the trailer sends a clear message—this camp is about to become a nightmare.
A Horror Debut from a Promising Director
The eerie world of Marshmallow is brought to life by director Daniel DelPurgatorio, a filmmaker making his feature directorial debut. DelPurgatorio, known for working on short horror and thriller films, is now stepping into the spotlight with this full-length chiller, and fans of the genre are eager to see what he delivers.
The screenplay is penned by Andy Greskoviak, whose previous work includes the horror-comedy Black Friday. Producing the film are Warner Davis and Todd M. Friedman, two names behind recent indie projects like Coup! and The Re-Education of Molly Singer.
This fresh mix of talent behind the camera, paired with a strong ensemble cast, positions Marshmallow to be a standout horror release this year.
Where Does Giorgia Whigham Fit In?
For horror and thriller fans, Giorgia Whigham is a familiar face. She’s starred in 13 Reasons Why, The Punisher, and the TV adaptation of Scream. Most recently, she gained recognition for her role as Blaire Bennett in Seth MacFarlane’s hit Peacock series, Ted.
Now, with Marshmallow, Whigham gets a deeper dive into horror, stepping into a role that is likely to showcase her range in fright, suspense, and survival.
The fact that Whigham is attached to the project adds an extra layer of excitement. She has already proven her ability to effortlessly transition between dark, intense roles and more lighthearted performances. With Marshmallow, fans will get to see her in an environment that is pure terror from start to finish.
Why Horror Fans Should Be Excited
In recent years, classic summer camp horror has made a strong comeback. These films tap into nostalgia, isolation, and claustrophobic terror, making them impossible to look away from. Marshmallow seems to fully embrace this formula—while adding its own disturbing twist to the mix.
- Mystery and horror: Who exactly is this so-called “doctor,” and what does he want?
- An eerie atmosphere: The film’s setting—dense woods, dimly lit paths, and abandoned cabins—adds to the spine-chilling environment.
- Psychological terror: If Morgan is already plagued by nightmares, does that mean some horrors exist only in his mind? Or is this truly happening?
Summer camp horror films thrive on urban legends, folklore, and characters who make all the wrong decisions, and Marshmallow appears to deliver on all these horror essentials.
Release Details and Final Thoughts
Fans won’t have to wait long for Marshmallow to hit theaters. The film is slated for an April 11, 2025 release, courtesy of Hemlock Circle Productions.
A trailer has already been released (exclusively on The Hollywood Reporter), offering a terrifying glimpse into a story where childhood fears and deadly reality collide. With a strong cast, a tension-filled premise, and a debut director eager to make a lasting impression, Marshmallow is shaping up to be one of the biggest independent horror releases of the year.
With just a few months to go before Marshmallow’s theatrical debut, horror fans will soon witness if this mysterious, demented doctor will live up to the horrifying legend… or if his truth is even more terrifying than anyone imagined.
Key Takeaways:
- Marshmallow is scheduled for release on April 11, 2025.
- The film stars Giorgia Whigham, Alysia Reiner, and Corbin Bernsen.
- The story follows a boy at a secluded summer camp facing a terrifying urban legend come to life.
- Directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio, making his feature film debut.
- The horror-packed trailer is already drawing major buzz.
Will Marshmallow deliver the next great summer camp horror classic? Audiences will find out soon enough. Until then, fans can watch the spine-chilling trailer and prepare for a nightmarish journey into the woods.