The horror genre is ever-evolving yet remains one of the most beloved genres. A subgenre gaining popularity these days is folk horror. It has made a comeback, once again creeping under our skin. Round the Decay, already released on January 31, 2025, promises to deliver a chilling dose of small-town dread. Early whispers suggest this isn’t just another horror film, it’s a story that delves deep into buried secrets.
Round the Decay: Story and Plot
Set two years after a devastating event, Round the Decay follows Kenzie, a young woman returning to her hometown of Newport Valley. She’s searching for something—peace, understanding—but what she discovers is far from comforting. Her arrival awakens something sinister, a secret the town has desperately tried to keep hidden. But it’s more than just a secret; it’s something rotten, something festering for far too long.
As Kenzie begins to investigate, she unravels layers of Newport Valley’s history, uncovering a horrifying link between the town’s past and her own life. The film’s title, Round the Decay, suggests a cycle of corruption—how secrets and lies can infect a place, poisoning everything around them.
Round the Decay: Cast and Crew
The cast features Victoria Mirrer as Kenzie Rhodes, known for portraying characters with both vulnerability and strength—exactly what Kenzie must embody. Also starring are Damian Maffei as Munroe, Cary Hite as Bart Blakewell, Sienna Hubert-Ross as Rosalyn “Roz” Jackson, and Rachel Pizzolato as The Wrexsoul.
The film is directed by Adam Newman, whose work has gained industry attention with previous films such as Everwinter Night and Ice Patrol.
Why You Should Watch Round the Decay
The trailer for Round the Decay is spine-chilling, showcasing the breathtaking yet ominous landscapes of Newport Valley, where something unnatural lurks beneath the surface. It teases eerie rituals, cryptic symbols, and unsettling figures. The haunting score intensifies the creeping dread. One particularly striking scene shows Kenzie stumbling upon a group of townsfolk engaged in a mysterious ceremony, their faces obscured—an unmistakable sign that something deeply unsettling is at play. The trailer reveals just enough to pique curiosity without giving too much away.
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Conclusion
Round the Decay explores compelling themes—the weight of secrets and how they can corrode a community from within, the lingering burden of the past, and the fear of the unknown, the things that lurk in the dark.
With its gripping storyline, powerful dialogues, talented cast and crew, and an unsettling trailer, Round the Decay is a film to watch out for. If you’re a fan of horror that seeps into your bones and lingers long after the credits roll, mark Round the Decay on your watchlist.