Horror fans, brace yourselves: the mastermind behind the chilling 'Hell House LLC' series is stepping into uncharted territory with a brand-new spine-tingling thriller! But here's where it gets controversial—could this shift from found footage to traditional storytelling redefine Cognetti's legacy, or is it a risky gamble that might alienate his die-hard fans? Let's dive into the exclusive scoop from Bloody Disgusting's chat with Stephen Cognetti at Midnight Fest in Boston, and explore what makes this upcoming film a potential game-changer in the horror genre.
During the bustling atmosphere of Midnight Fest—a fantastic event that brought together horror icons like David F. Sandberg (the genius behind 'It Follows') and even a nod to classics like 'Courage the Cowardly Dog'—I had the chance to sit down with Stephen Cognetti, the creative force behind the 'Hell House LLC' franchise. He's buzzing with excitement about his next project, 'A Body in the Woods,' which promises to be a fresh departure from his previous work. For those new to horror filmmaking, found footage is a style where movies are presented as if they're made from real-life recordings, like shaky camcorders or security tapes, creating an immersive, documentary-like feel that makes scares feel extra authentic. Cognetti's been a pro at that, but now he's pivoting to something different.
'I’m absolutely thrilled to dive into something original and downright terrifying,' Cognetti shared with me, his eyes lighting up. 'A Body in the Woods' is a script I penned right after wrapping up the edit for 'Hell House Origins,' when I was deep in that perfect horror groove.' He went on to tease, 'I can’t spill too many details about the plot just yet, but trust me, it’s incredibly spooky, and I’m counting down the days until we start rolling cameras—fingers crossed, that’ll happen sooner rather than later.'
This isn't just any horror flick; it's a traditionally shot narrative film, meaning it's crafted with professional cinematography and a structured storyline, unlike the raw, improvised vibe of found footage. And this is the part most people miss—Cognetti calls it his biggest undertaking yet, signaling a bold evolution in his career. To put that in perspective, imagine moving from indie, low-budget experiments to a full-scale production; it's like upgrading from a garage band to a stadium tour in the world of scares.
Cognetti burst onto the scene with his feature debut, 'Hell House,' back in 2015, and he hasn't slowed down since. He wrote and directed all four sequels: the eerie 'Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel' in 2018, the fiery 'Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire' in 2019, the prequel 'Hell House LLC Origins: The Carmichael Manor' in 2023, and now 'Hell House LLC: Lineage,' which is set to stream on Shudder this Halloween, on October 30. For beginners curious about Shudder, it's a popular streaming platform dedicated to horror, thriller, and supernatural content—think of it as Netflix but with a focus on chills and thrills.
He also took the helm for '825 Forest Road,' another gem that hit Shudder earlier this year, showcasing his knack for blending mystery with supernatural dread. With the found footage style firmly in his rearview mirror, it's fascinating—and yes, a bit divisive—to ponder where Cognetti's path will lead next. Some horror purists might argue that abandoning that gritty, realistic aesthetic could dilute the franchise's unique appeal, while others see it as a smart way to broaden his horizons and attract new audiences. Is this a brilliant evolution, or a potential misstep? And this is the part most people miss: how will fans react to a more polished, narrative-driven Cognetti?
As we wrapped up our chat, Cognetti posed for a quick photo at Midnight Fest, looking every bit the confident director ready to conquer new fears. So, what do you think, horror enthusiasts? Do you prefer the raw edge of found footage, or are you excited for Cognetti's traditional turn? Will 'A Body in the Woods' live up to the 'Hell House' hype, or is this a controversial pivot that could split the fanbase? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—let's debate!
