‘Scared to Death’ Premieres at FrightFest

Paul Boyd’s Scared to Death is set to make its international debut at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest Glasgow 2025 on 8th March, offering up a terrifying blend of supernatural horror and Hollywood satire. Starring genre icons Lin Shaye (Insidious), Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), and Rae Dawn Chong (Commando), the film follows a group of filmmakers who, in their pursuit of authenticity, find themselves trapped in a real-life nightmare.

The story centres on Jasper (Olivier Paris), a young production assistant desperate to prove himself in the film industry. When he suggests attending a séance at a supposedly haunted orphanage for research on their latest horror film, Dead House, the idea is met with enthusiasm. The location in question—a long-abandoned children’s shelter—has been shuttered for seventy years following the mysterious deaths of five children in 1954, all of whom were reportedly found with expressions of terror, as if quite literally scared to death.

The séance begins as a harmless stunt, but the group soon realises they have disturbed something far more sinister than the spirits of lost children. As the restless souls make their presence known, it becomes evident that they are not alone in the house. What starts as a night of immersive research quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival.

Director Paul Boyd, who will attend the screening alongside producer Eric Barrett for a post-film Q&A, has crafted a claustrophobic and eerie ghost story that leans into the unsettling history of haunted locations. The film taps into classic supernatural horror, blending a slow-burning sense of dread with explosive moments of sheer terror.

Lin Shaye, who has long been a staple of paranormal horror, takes on the role of Max, a medium who may know more about the house’s past than she initially lets on. Bill Moseley’s Felix adds a layer of grizzled cynicism, while Olivier Paris’ Jasper leads the audience through a harrowing descent into the unknown.

With its mix of found-footage style realism, traditional ghost story tension, and a meta twist on the horror filmmaking process, Scared to Death is poised to leave its mark on FrightFest audiences. The screening will be hosted by Kat Hughes, adding another layer of excitement for horror fans eager to dive into this chilling new entry in the supernatural genre.

FrightFest Glasgow has long been a launchpad for films that push the boundaries of horror, and Scared to Death looks set to continue that tradition with its eerie premise and genre pedigree. The festival’s reputation for spotlighting both indie and major horror films makes it the perfect venue for Boyd’s haunting tale.

For those attending, this séance is one invitation they may regret accepting. For more information and to get tickets, visit: frightfest.co.uk/2025Glasgow/

Scared to Death trailer