Pathetic Fallacy is a 2026 American romantic musical horror film directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer and written by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari. The film stars Scott Mescudi and Jessica Rothe, who are both credited as executive producers, along with Travis Fimmel and Natasha Lyonne appearing in supporting roles.
Pathetic Fallacy premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 20, 2026.
Synopsis When Iris dies from an illness, Asher travels to the New Age Mount Samdi in an effort to reconnect with her.
Cast
Filmmakers Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead make vocal appearances as animals, as does the film's editor Vera Drew.
Production Development Screenwriters Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari had a sixty page draft of Pathetic Fallacy that was eventually sent over to Adam Egypt Mortimer in 2022. Mortimer, inspired by Pink Floyd - The Wall and Jesus Christ Superstar, incorporated the musical elements into the script.
Filming Production commenced in Vancouver, British Columbia in early June 2025 with Chuk Owens serving as director of photography, shooting on 35 mm film, and wrapped in August.
Release Pathetic Fallacy had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas on September 20, 2026.
Reception Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting praised Mescudi and Rothe's performances as "achingly raw" and Mortimer's direction as "mesmeric". Kat Hughes of The Hollywood News called Pathetic Fallacy "a stunner" and highlighted the music as the film's "beating heart". Writing for Daily Dead, Matt Donato described the film as an "unwieldy fever dream" and as Mortimer's best work. For RogerEbert.com, Brian Tallerico wrote "to say that Pathetic Fallacy was like nothing else at Fantastic Fest would be an understatement. It’s like nothing else anywhere."
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