Shudder has announced the acquisition of NIGHTBORN, the sophomore feature from Finnish director Hanna Bergholm (HATCHING), a visceral dark fable about unconditional maternal love and the disturbing truth that can hide beneath it. The film will stream on Shudder beginning July 31, with rights covering the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
NIGHTBORN follows Saga and her British husband Jon, who relocate to an isolated house deep in the forest with hopes of starting a perfect family. When their baby arrives, Saga becomes increasingly convinced — despite reassurances from everyone around her — that something is terribly wrong with her newborn. As their marriage fractures under the pressure, Jon struggles to support his wife while only Saga can sense the disturbing truth about the child.
The film stars Seidi Haarla (Compartment Number 6) and Rupert Grint (Harry Potter, Servant, Knock at the Cabin), alongside Pamela Tola, Pirkko Saisio, Rebecca Lacey, and John Thomson. Bergholm co-wrote the screenplay with Ilja Rautsi. The production comes from Daniel Kuitunen at Elokuvayhtiö Komeetta Oy, with co-producers Getaway Films (France), BlueLight (UK), and Filmai (Lithuania). Executive producers are Nick Shumaker and David Levine of Anonymous Content. The film’s practical effects were helmed by animatronics designer Gustav Hoegen (Star Wars: Episodes VI, VII & IX, Andor, Jurassic World) and two-time Academy Award nominee SFX makeup designer Conor O’Sullivan (Saving Private Ryan, The Dark Knight, Game of Thrones).
NIGHTBORN debuted in competition at Berlinale and will celebrate its North American premiere at Fantasia Festival on July 22 before its Shudder debut.
“I am really excited for our film to be released on Shudder! NIGHTBORN is a film made for genre enthusiasts, parents, and anyone who has ever asked themselves: Why do I feel different?” said filmmaker Hanna Bergholm.
NIGHTBORN arrives on Shudder on July 31, 2026. Find it at shudder.com.
