‘The Wicker Man’ Meets ‘Memento’ in Folk Horror Film ‘Turn Back,’ Now in Production
Turn Back, a reverse-narrative folk horror movie rooted in the Black Shuck mythology, has officially entered production in Surrey, England. Raising over £470,000 (approximately $631,000), the project is said to be the most funded narrative film in UK crowdfunding history. It tells the story of an American artist who returns to his ancestral Norfolk village, […]
Turn Back, a reverse-narrative folk horror movie rooted in the Black Shuck mythology, has officially entered production in Surrey, England.
Raising over £470,000 (approximately $631,000), the project is said to be the most funded narrative film in UK crowdfunding history.
It tells the story of an American artist who returns to his ancestral Norfolk village, only to be drawn into its sinister cult and the haunting legend of Black Shuck. As the story unfolds backwards, Paul’s grip on reality is tested in ways audiences have never experienced before.
Drawing comparisons to The Wicker Man and Memento, the film is directed by Riyad Barmania from a script he co-wrote with Stuart Ashen.
Parker Sawyers (The Autopsy of Jane Doe), Lucy Robinson (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Children of Men), Tom Stourton (Barbie) and Marina Sirtis (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) star.
“I am beyond thrilled to be turning over on this incredible story,” said Barmania. “Our cast and crew are simply outstanding and it’s wonderful to see years of planning come together. There’s lots to do, and we’re ready to deliver!”
“Telling a story in reverse is such a fresh, exciting and challenging thing to do,” added Ashen. “We’ve spent two years getting it just right. We’re truly doing something that has never been done before, which is something you can’t say very often.”
Produced by Relentless Films, Turn Back is aiming to hit the festival circuit in 2026.
