Psychological Horror ‘By the Throat’ Set to Unsettle Audiences at FrightFest

The psychological horror By the Throat is gearing up for its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Glasgow on 7th March 2025, bringing an unsettling tale of grief, manipulation, and dark forces to audiences. Directed by David Luke Rees, the film features Sex Education’s Patricia Allison in a role that sees her entangled in a terrifying scheme, alongside Jeany Spark (Rings of Power), Rupert Young (Bridgerton), and Matthew Cottle (The Responder).

At its core, By the Throat is a horror-thriller built on psychological tension rather than overt spectacle. The film follows Lizzy (Allison), a young woman hired to care for Amy Cummings (Spark), a grieving mother struggling after the tragic death of her daughter. Left alone in a secluded countryside home while her husband Alex (Young) is away, Amy’s grief has spiralled into something far more dangerous. Lizzy soon realises she has stepped into an environment where reality is slipping, and where she may be a pawn in a sinister plan. As she tries to escape, the true horror of what has been set in motion is revealed.

Director David Luke Rees has described the film as a meditation on grief, isolation, and exploitation. “Grief unravels us, it bends reality,” he explains. “By the Throat isn’t about ghosts in the traditional sense, but about how loss lingers and how those vulnerabilities can be preyed upon.” He credits the film’s stripped-down, indie approach to the influence of filmmakers like Ben Wheatley, with the story unfolding in a tight, atmospheric setting that slowly closes in around the characters.

The film was shot over ten days with a focused and immediate style, bringing an intensity to both its visuals and performances. Patricia Allison takes on a complex role as Lizzy, an outsider thrust into an emotionally volatile and deeply unsettling situation. Jeany Spark delivers a haunting portrayal of a mother at her breaking point, and Rupert Young provides an ambiguous presence as a husband whose intentions remain unclear.

Following its premiere at FrightFest Glasgow, By the Throat is expected to make its way to further festivals before its wider release. With SC Films International handling sales, the film is positioned as a unique entry in modern British horror—one that looks at grief through a deeply disturbing lens.

For those attending FrightFest, director David Luke Rees, co-writer Madeleine Isaac, and cast member Jeany Spark will be present for a Q&A after the screening. For more information and to get tickets, visit: frightfest.co.uk/2025Glasgow/