By Michele Schultz

This chilling Brooklyn Horror Film Festival entry fuses psychological terror with a modern, concept-driven take on the classic mad scientist trope.

The tenth annual Brooklyn Horror Film Festival delivered a gripping sci-fi horror, ‘Affection’, from writer-director BT Meza (Superconductive Production, Minutehand Pictures, and Circa 1888). Starring Jessica Rothe (Universal’s Happy Death Day and Netflix’s Pulse), the film plunges us into a harrowing nightmare that is deeply personal and universally unsettling. 

‘Affection’ follows a woman (Rothe) who wakes to horrifying, erratic memory resets in a rustic Upstate New York, and all of a sudden, begins to experience afflicted, violent seizures without warning. 

In ‘Affection’, Rothe plays Ellie Carter, who has never met the man (Joseph Cross) who calls himself her husband, doesn’t recognize the girl (Julianna Layne) who calls her mother, and can’t remember the life she is told is her own. Trapped in a cyclical nightmare, struggling to uncover the truth of her existence before she forgets it all over again.

‘Affection’ blends sci-fi and horror, leaning into the mad scientist trope, a classic element of the genre that dates back to works like Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein‘. Meza’s direction works because the premise is set up to constantly draw audiences in to find out the why, which is done in a way to keep us guessing until the reveal. The first act is peppered with clues that establish the mystery without revealing the twist, making the eventual reveal in the second act we kind of knowingly earned.

Rothe, known for her horror and dramatic range, delivers a raw, commanding performance that reflects Ellie’s terror and confusion. Her on-screen presence is compelling, and it makes a case for more horror roles. Cross and Layne are a standout, grounded in an increasingly effective narrative.

​‘Affection’ is a concept-driven thriller that seamlessly embeds technology into its 90-minute exploration of love, identity, and grief. It’s a chilling take on psychological sci-fi horror that’s a must-see.

Bringing the best of domestic and international genre cinema to New York City since 2016, the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival is a premier East Coast genre festival that embodies the eclectic spirit of its namesake.
Brooklyn Horror not only provides the nightmare fuel that audiences expect but also prides itself on challenging those expectations, spotlighting films that push the boundaries of what is normally deemed horror.
Taking place in venues throughout the borough every October, BHFF compliments its ambitious features and shorts programming with exciting and unique live events, crafting a must-attend festival experience for industry members and film fans alike.
Running from October 17-24, 2024 with screenings at Nitehawk Cinema Williamsburg and Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park.