The Cycle sees Jeffrey Donovan return to his first horror role in 26 years for a plot that evolves into a scary twist
Let me introduce myself, my name is… Jeffrey Donovan. Burn Notice fans will get the reference, and it’s great to see a fan favourite step into action territory once again — this time partnering with Deborah Ann Woll. His latest project, The Cycle, is a practical-effects-heavy horror film set to air on Shudder in time for Halloween night.
Hype Horror
Stephen King has praised the film and remarked, “I don’t usually pump up horror movies (unless they are mine, haha), but this is special.”
The film follows Meg, who discovers her father’s body at the scene of a horrific murder. We’ve been told not to probe too much, as it’s a film that benefits from being discovered as the plot evolves. However, the film’s director, Jordan Downey (Stork from V/H/S), said it’s “a small town where there is some supernatural threat or problem and everything’s a little misty and foggy and dreary,” all the while with something “creeping under the surface.”
Need to Know
Film: The Cycle
Genre: Horror / Crime / Thriller
Director: Jordan Downey
Writers: Jordan Downey, Kevin Stewart
Stars: Deborah Ann Woll, Jeffrey Donovan, Gretchen Corbett, Will Hochman and Jack Doolan
Runtime: 1 hour 51 minutes
Release date: October 23, 2026
Where to watch: Shudder
Shooting locations: Astoria, Oregon, USA
Language: English
The lead actress, Deborah Ann Woll, said: “It’s not only a monster. It’s something to be studied. It’s a specimen,” while Jeffrey Donovan said of his character: “Why he has such an emotional rapid response to ‘I must find this thing,’ it’s fueled by losing his son.” The last time Donovan was cast in a horror film was in 2000’s Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2.
James Gunn & Peter Safran: Latest Exit at DC Studios is More Movie Politics
Paramount Skydance’s change up won’t be the last time we see movers and shakers at DC.
Exclusive David Cronenberg Season to Be Held at the BFI
The BFI is set to celebrate the world of body-horror director David Cronenberg with a series of thematic programmes.
Taika Waititi in a Meltdown as Director Shuns Strong Criticism
Waititi's latest film, Klara and the Sun, was panned by critics and had a weak opening.
Leave a Reply