The release date for Willem Dafoe’s new psychological thriller, The Man in My Basement, has been revealed, along with a new trailer. Based on Walter Mosley’s novel of the same name, the upcoming horror thriller stars Dafoe as businessman Anniston Bennet, who seeks to rent out the basement of Charles Blakey’s (Corey Hawkins) ancestral home.
Joined by Anna Diop, Jonathan Ajayi, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr., Pamela Nomvete, and Tamara Lawrance in the cast, the movie sees the two men head down a terrifying path haunted by secrets and ghosts from the past. With a script Nadia Latif co-wrote with Mosley, The Man in My Basement marks the filmmaker’s feature directorial debut.
Now Hulu and Andscape have dropped the first full trailer, giving potential viewers a taste of the mystery and horror that will unfold in the upcoming thriller. The movie will first have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before coming to select theaters on Sept. 12. Additionally, The Man in My Basement will be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
Check out the trailer for The Man in My Basement below:
What This Means For Willem Dafoe’s The Man in My Basement
Mosley’s philosophical novel investigates race and trauma. The Nosferatu actor’s character in the source material is a businessman who rents Blakey’s basement as a space to trap and punish himself for his power, wealth, and the harm he has done to humanity. This forces Blakey to reflect on his ancestry and his way of life.
The new trailer doesn’t reveal much about the mystery and horror, but it offers a glimpse into the movie’s tone and its approach to the original story through a psychological thriller lens. Featuring an old mask, a case, and a deranged-looking Anniston, the trailer teases a departure from Mosley’s novel.
On the other hand, even though The Man in My Basement promises to deliver an intensely psychological journey for viewers, some lines suggest the movie is still grounded in the philosophical exploration of idenтιтy and trauma.
As heard in the trailer, Blakey asks Bennet whether his disappearance will be suspicious to those around him, and Bennet replies by asking him if anyone wonders the same about him, which refers to Blakey’s lack of motivation and escape from reality through drinking, gambling, and drama.
Our Take On Willem Dafoe’s Role In The Man in My Basement
The Man in My Basement features Willem Dafoe in another role with duality. Best known for playing villainous roles, some of the actor’s best work is a result of exploring both the charisma and the dark side of a character. As seen in the trailer, Dafoe’s character can be wise and philosophical and terrifying at times, making the upcoming Hulu original movie very exciting.
