Vertical Entertainment has set a January 1, 2027 nationwide theatrical release for PENDULUM, a new psychological horror feature from director and writer Mark Heyman — the screenwriter behind Black Swan — with Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, The Whale) on board as producer. A teaser trailer dropped today, offering the first look at what Heyman promises is a deeply personal horror story rooted in real family history.
PENDULUM centers on married couple Patrick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Looper, Inception) and Abigail (Phoebe Dynevor, Bridgerton), who travel to a new-age retreat in New Mexico seeking healing after a traumatic event. Patrick grows increasingly distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader (Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook, Animal Kingdom) even as Abigail falls deeper under her influence. As paranoia takes hold, the couple must decide whether the group’s spiritual practices offer genuine recovery — or mask something far more dangerous.
The film marks Heyman’s feature directorial debut. The cast also includes Anna Deavere Smith (The West Wing), Jena Malone (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Sucker Punch), and Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead). Producing alongside Aronofsky are Jacob Jaffke, Élan Klein Jaffke, Dave Caplan, Ari Handel, Elizabeth Gesas, and Will Greenfield.
“This movie is deeply personal and inspired by my family lore,” said Heyman. “Shooting it in New Mexico, where I grew up and the real events took place, elevated every scene and made it all the more surreal. Add to that a cast firing on all cylinders, and you have a horror movie I’m immensely proud of and excited to unleash on audiences come the new year. What better way to ring in 2027 than with a freaky head trip?”
PENDULUM opens in theaters nationwide January 1, 2027.
