When a visiting writer named Cassandra asks “Are there monsters outside my window?” in the local paper, the answer leads to a traumatic showdown in the quiet town of Talbot Falls.
Trauma or, Monsters All is the latest from indie horror veteran Larry Fessenden, and it opens in limited US cinemas on Wednesday 4 November through Dark Sky Films.
Fessenden is less interested in the monsters than in the people who need them.
Movie at a Glance
- US release: Limited release from Wednesday 4 November 2026; digital from 24 November (Dark Sky Films)
- UK release: No UK release date confirmed at the time of writing
- Writer and director: Larry Fessenden
- Starring: Addison Timlin, Alex Hurt and Laëtitia Hollard
- Runtime: 118 minutes
- Genre: Horror drama
Viewer Match
- Best for: Fans of thoughtful indie horror and Fessenden’s earlier work.
- Maybe skip if: You want fast jump scares.
- Mood and pace: Brooding, melancholy and slow.
- Cinema or streaming? Streaming will suit it well.
- Spoiler level: Spoiler-free.
Monsters and Metaphors
Fessenden has always used horror to talk about grief and damage, and this is no exception. The town, the people and their secrets are drawn with care.
There are moments of genuine unease.
Divisive
At nearly two hours, it is slow, and critics have split sharply, from full marks to two stars. Some find it profound, others ponderous.
It rewards patience, but it demands a lot of it.
More Horror
For more horror recommendations, see our horror film guide. This week’s other films are in this week’s Weekly Cinema Pack, and tonight’s picks are in What to Watch Tonight.
Spoiler-Free Verdict
Trauma or, Monsters All is a thoughtful, atmospheric horror drama from a genre veteran. Its slow pace will divide audiences.
- Performances: 7/10
- Direction: 7/10
- Screenplay: 6.5/10
- Score: 6.5/10
- Cinematography: 7/10
- Entertainment Value: 5.5/10
- Overall score: 6.5/10
Star rating: 3/5
Verdict badge: Best watched in the Cinema
One-line verdict: Brooding, thoughtful and slow.
Watch the Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer from Dark Sky Films.
Do you prefer slow-burn horror or jump scares? Tell us.