The first look at Nervous has arrived, with the release of a chilling teaser trailer for the upcoming psychological horror film. Directed by Abner Pastoll, the project is set to make its world premiere as the opening film at the 2026 Tubi FrightFest in London. The screening will take place on 27 August 2026 at the Odeon Leicester Square, marking a significant return to the festival for the filmmaker.
The story follows Sarah, played by Sarah Bolger, and her husband Sungsoo, portrayed by Sungsoo Yune. Seeking to repair their struggling marriage, the couple relocates to a house in the Korean countryside. Their fresh start takes a dark turn when they discover an unmarked vinyl record that plays only silence. After listening to the record, Sarah begins to lose her ability to hear men’s voices. As her reality fractures, she finds herself increasingly isolated from her husband and drawn to an enigmatic neighbor named Eunbyeol, played by Ko Asung.
This project marks a reunion between Pastoll and Bolger, who previously collaborated on the 2019 film A Good Woman is Hard to Find. The film explores themes of paranoia and obsession as Sarah struggles to determine if the terrors she faces are purely psychological or rooted in something more sinister. The narrative promises a tense, atmospheric experience that leans into the unsettling nature of its premise.
A Global Festival Run
Following its debut at FrightFest, Nervous is scheduled to continue its festival circuit. The film will screen at Lisbon’s MOTELX on 4 September 2026, followed by a presentation at Germany’s Fantasy Filmfest on 7 September 2026. These early screenings highlight the international appeal of this Korean-UK co-production, which was filmed entirely on location in and around Seoul.
Behind the Scenes
The film is written and directed by Pastoll, with a screenplay co-written by Richard Hobley. The production team includes producers Junyoung Jang and Pastoll. The film also features an original score composed by Matthew Pusti. The cast is anchored by Bolger, Ko Asung, and Sungsoo Yune. Ko Asung is well-regarded for her performances in acclaimed films such as The Host and Snowpiercer, while Yune has appeared in projects like Smugglers and Live Stream.
With a runtime of 100 minutes, the film aims to deliver a focused and intense psychological experience. The choice of Nervous as the opening film for FrightFest underscores the anticipation surrounding Pastoll’s latest work. Fans of psychological horror will likely be watching closely as the film begins its festival run, as the combination of a unique premise and an established creative team suggests a standout entry in the genre for 2026.
