First Look at Dark Satire ‘Starsuckers’ Ahead of FrightFest Premiere

Internationally respected Canadian independent filmmakers Brett Butler and Jason Butler will travel to London this August for the world premiere of their latest feature, Starsuckers, at FrightFest 2026, one of the world’s premier showcases for horror, thriller, fantasy, and genre cinema.

We have a first-look at their newest film, Starsuckers, a dark satire examining celebrity culture, ambition, and the dangerous pursuit of fame.

The story follows Chuck and Eileen, an ordinary couple who win an exclusive weekend getaway with celebrity icons Bjorg Everglow and Sasha Nightshade. Their dream vacation quickly spirals into murder, manipulation, and psychological games as the celebrity couple reveals increasingly disturbing intentions. The result is a thriller that skewers society’s obsession with status, influence, and the intoxicating promise of living someone else’s life.

The film stars Manon Ens-Lapointe (The Last Anniversary), Steven Hobé (How Disney Built America), James Alex, Jersey Anderson, and Jacob Stickles.

Known for independent features including Purgatory Jack, The Last Anniversary, and Unfriending, The Butler Brothers have built a reputation for ambitious, character-driven filmmaking that challenges audience expectations while remaining fiercely independent.

Founded in 2000, FrightFest has grown into one of the international genre community’s defining annual events, attracting filmmakers, critics, distributors, and fans from around the world. The festival has become synonymous with discovering bold new voices while celebrating innovative filmmaking across horror, thriller, fantasy, and dark comedy.

Additional festival appearances and release plans for Starsuckers will be announced following its FrightFest debut.

The filmmakers will attend the festival, which runs Aug. 27–31 at ODEON Cinemas Leicester Square and ODEON Luxe West End, before an additional FrightFest @ the Arzner screening on Sept. 5.