Thescreescore – Jonah Hauer-King, widely recognized for his princely turn as Eric in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, is now captivating critics with a starkly different performance in the new medieval horror film, The Face of Horror. This audacious adaptation, which recently premiered to significant buzz at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, has already garnered an impressive 70% on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a compelling shift for the young actor into more macabre territory.
Directed, written, and produced by the distinctive Anna Biller, known for her cult hit The Love Witch, The Face of Horror reimagines the classic 19th-century Japanese ghost story Yotsuya Kaidan. Biller transports this chilling narrative to 14th-century England, crafting a tale where Hauer-King’s knight, spurned by a farmer’s daughter, commits a heinous act of murder against her father. This betrayal unleashes a vengeful spirit, plunging the film into a gothic nightmare of supernatural retribution.
Early critical reception, though based on a limited number of reviews, paints a picture of a visually striking and thematically rich production. Reviewers have lauded the film’s bold feminist undertones, expertly dissecting themes of patriarchy and toxic masculinity within its historical setting. The aesthetic brilliance, characterized by vibrant cinematography, meticulous set design, and authentic costuming, has also received widespread praise, creating an immersive medieval atmosphere. Performances by Hauer-King and Kristine Froseth have been particularly highlighted for their intensity and depth.
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However, The Face of Horror is not without its divisive elements. Some critics have pointed to a perceived lack of narrative urgency and a deliberately slow pace, suggesting the film demands patience from its audience to fully appreciate its unfolding horror. Despite this, many, including a review from thescreescore.com, found the deliberate build-up rewarding, culminating in a "compelling" final act. The film’s distinctive visual style has been likened to "Hammer-style filmmaking," with "colors vibrating on screen," a testament to Biller’s strong stylistic execution.
This critical success places The Face of Horror among Hauer-King’s highest-rated projects, surpassing even The Little Mermaid‘s 67% Rotten Tomatoes score. It underscores his versatility and willingness to explore roles beyond mainstream blockbusters, solidifying his position as an actor capable of both charming audiences and unsettling them. While a broader theatrical release date is yet to be announced for this 120-minute cinematic experience, the initial festival buzz promises a memorable and thought-provoking entry into the horror genre.
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