“I loved this magic realism concept of putting supernatural characters into normal life”: Freya Allan, Ruby Barker and Alberto Corredor on Baghead

Baghead is the new horror movie from Alberto Corredor, adapted from his short of the same name. Drawing on classic tropes of the genre but with its own twist, it imagines a shape-shifting witch who lurks in the basement of a pub. The Witcher‘s Freya Allan plays Iris, the unlikely woman who inherits the property after the mysterious death of her father. Strapped for cash and needing somewhere to stay, she decides to make the most of the new acquisition – and little does she know what’s in store for her. Bridgerton‘s Ruby Barker takes on the role of Katie, her best mate and source of rationality, though it’s not always so welcomed. Jeremy Irvine is a distraught widower who is bent on gaining access to the spectre while always brilliant Peter Mullen plays Iris’s father. At its heart, it’s a movie about grief and facing up to loss, our desire to reach beyond the grave and find answers to questions we can no longer ask, as well as the perils of exploiting the supernatural.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of chatting with Allan about her transition from The Witcher to a modern setting, the importance of her character’s backstory, and her preparation for the role. She reflected on the emotional depth of the film, her experience with the horror genr, and the enjoyment of working with co-stars like Barker and Mullen. Allan also mentioned how her time on The Witcher helped prepare her for other roles, including Planet of the Apes.

Director Corredor told us about the journey to creating the film that began with a short in 2017, taking six years to fruition. Inspired by magic realism, the film explores a shape-shifting witch in a basement and themes of grief. He praised his cast, including Allan, Mullan and Barker, and shared challenges and triumphs in production and visual effects.

Barker spoke about the on-screen chemistry she shared with the cast, the impactful sound score and working with talented actors like Mullan and Allan. She revealed her personal journey with the horror genre, including her initial fears and newfound appreciation. Barker also discussed the film’s exploration of grief, her rewarding experiences on set, and her aspirations for being a dependable supporting actor while prioritising mental health and self-care.

Sarah Bradbury

Baghead is released in select cinemas on 26^th January 2024.

Watch the trailer for Baghead here: