Bloody Disgusting reports that Studio Dome has unveiled the official trailer for Hate Thyself, a psychological thriller that marks another posthumous appearance for the late Tony Todd. The report attributes the film’s narrative details and distribution window to the distributor’s announcement.
The central plot follows Detective Angelo Matteo, played by Oscar Torre. According to the synopsis provided by Studio Dome, Matteo is a deeply religious investigator whose unwavering faith faces severe testing during a harrowing case. He works alongside his partner, Rufus, as they are assigned to track down a sadistic murderer who is preying on young men. The narrative tension escalates as the body count rises, drawing Angelo into a disturbing world where the line between justice and obsession begins to disappear.
The production team behind Hate Thyself includes director Shivaan Makker, who helmed the project from a screenplay written by Sullivan McGuffin. The supporting cast features Happy Anderson, Corin Nemec, Deborah Rennard, Danforth Comins, Vincent Banks, Gary Brunner, Evan Daigle, and Christina Urias. These casting choices anchor the film in a familiar landscape for viewers of modern independent horror, leveraging actors with established presences in the genre.
Crucially, the film is inspired in part by the horrific crimes of real-life serial killer Robert Berdella. This connection to actual historical events provides a grim foundation for the fictionalized narrative. Director Shivaan Makker addressed this thematic approach directly, stating that the film explores what happens when someone who sees the world in black and white is forced to confront the gray areas of human nature.
Makker further elaborated on the intended emotional scope of the project. “We wanted to tell a story that isn’t just about catching a killer, but about the emotional and spiritual toll that evil takes on those who dedicate their lives to fighting it,” Makker said. This statement frames the thriller not merely as a procedural hunt, but as an examination of psychological erosion under pressure.
David Josh Lawrence, Acquisitions at Studio Dome, offered additional context regarding the film’s positioning within the market. He noted that Shivaan has crafted a gripping psychological thriller that goes far beyond the traditional crime procedural.
Availability for Hate Thyself is set to begin on September 1, 2026. The film will be available in select theaters and on digital platforms starting on that date. No further details regarding physical media releases, exclusive streaming partnerships, or international distribution windows have been announced at this time.
The release of Hate Thyself arrives amid a broader wave of projects featuring Tony Todd’s final performances. Recent industry reporting has highlighted other titles such as the Edgar Allan Poe adaptation The Raven and the horror film The Pitchfork Retreat. Audiences seeking this title should note the September 1 start date for both theatrical and digital access.