French filmmaker Quarxx will bring his latest feature, The Ones Who Grieve, to North American audiences for the first time at Fantastic Fest, the celebrated genre film festival running September 17–24, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The film — an elevated period horror and drama set in 19th-century rural France — arrives from Transgressive Production and Kali Pictures, and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.
Set at the end of the 19th century on an isolated farm, The Ones Who Grieve follows Zélie, a young woman trapped under the oppressive authority of her deeply religious father, Jacob. As a mysterious sickness called “the Black Veil” ravages the surrounding countryside, the line between faith and madness begins to blur, forcing Zélie to fight for her humanity and her freedom. The film stars Thierry Frémont, Zélie Rixhon, Isabelle Anciaux, and Jean-Baptiste Maunier.
Quarxx is a French genre director known for his blend of folk horror, dark spirituality, and period atmosphere. Director Quarxx will be in attendance at Fantastic Fest in person throughout the festival run, with virtual interview options also available.
The film does not yet have a U.S. distributor, making the Fantastic Fest premiere a significant opportunity for genre audiences to see it ahead of any wider release. With its period setting, ecclesiastical dread, and epidemic horror elements, The Ones Who Grieve looks well-positioned to resonate with fans of elevated European horror.
For Fantastic Fest ticketing and scheduling information, visit fantasticfest.com.
