A New Psychological Horror Takes Shape in Nashville

Production has officially wrapped in Nashville on Shed, a psychological horror feature that has quietly assembled a veteran cast of genre and television staples. The film, which centers on a woman grappling with the physical manifestations of unresolved trauma, stars Amanda Righetti, known for her long-running role on The Mentalist, alongside Lost alum William Mapother and Insidious: The Last Key actress Spencer Locke.

For a project that began as a proof-of-concept short, the transition to a full-length feature marks a significant scaling up for writer and star Valerie Jane Parker. The short film, which navigated the festival circuit with appearances at ten different events, clearly provided enough momentum to secure the backing of female-owned production houses Preacher’s Daughter Pictures and Dipsomania.

The Creative Team Behind the Lens

At the helm is director Mila Vilaplana, who is leading a predominantly female creative team. The film’s premise—a successful but emotionally isolated protagonist whose trauma begins to haunt her from within her own body—aims to blend visceral horror with a character-driven exploration of grief.

"Shed explores the intersection of grief, identity and the body through a distinctly female lens," Vilaplana said in a statement. The production has leaned heavily into its Nashville location, wrapping principal photography after a focused shoot that brought together a diverse ensemble including Kym Jackson, Armando Rivera, and Lilian Rebelo.

Why the Casting Matters

The inclusion of Righetti, Mapother, and Locke suggests a strategic move to anchor a high-concept indie horror with recognizable television and film talent. Mapother, in particular, brings a pedigree of tension-heavy performance, while Righetti’s transition from procedural drama to psychological horror follows a well-trodden path for actors looking to explore darker, more complex material.

"Amanda, Spencer, and William each bring something powerful and specific to this world," Vilaplana added. For Parker, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Shadowwood Ent.’s Chris Connor and Cole Pendery, the feature represents a chance to expand on the themes of the original short. "At its core, this is a horror story about grief, survival and the strange ways the body remembers," Parker noted.

Key Takeaways

  • Veteran Talent: The film features a notable ensemble cast including Amanda Righetti, William Mapother, and Spencer Locke.
  • Female-Led Production: The project is produced by a predominantly female creative team, including the female-owned production companies Preacher’s Daughter Pictures and Dipsomania.
  • Expansion of Concept: Shed is based on a proof-of-concept short film that successfully screened at ten film festivals before being greenlit for a feature-length adaptation.

With production now complete, the film moves into the post-production phase. While a distribution deal has not yet been announced, the project’s successful festival run for its short-form predecessor suggests that the team will be looking to leverage that early interest for a wider release in the coming year.