Production and cast announced for supernatural horror Sticks and Stones

London-based studio DISAUTHORITY has unveiled the cast for its first feature film, Sticks & Stones, a chilling supernatural horror written and directed by Lily Howkins.

The feature stars Freya Hannan-Mills in the lead role — a rising British talent appearing in Chloé Zhao’s festival favourite Hamnet alongside Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, who also previously captivated audiences in Here After opposite Connie Britton and in Justin Anderson’s Swimming Home. Her standout performances have marked her as one to watch. 

Freya is joined by Anna Burnett (Darkest Hour, The Falling), known for her emotionally rich performances across film and television; Tristan Sturrock (Doc Martin, Poldark), a celebrated stage and screen actor, and emerging talent Louis Martin (The Sandman, Andor).

Production begins this November in the company’s home borough of Croydon, South London, marking the first feature-length production from DISAUTHORITY Originals, the in-house creative production arm of the post-production studio known for its obsessive approach to visual storytelling.

Set in late-1990s rural Britain, the horror follows a teenager accused of murder who maintains her innocence. Trapped in a remote police station during a violent storm, an ambitious policewoman must determine whether there is evidence for conviction or if there is a vengeful supernatural force at play. 

Inspired by endless accounts of women’s testimony being ignored or disbelieved, the film examines how institutions respond to stories that defy explanation and the devastating consequences.

Marcus Hundsnes, Managing Director of DISAUTHORITY, said, “This is the perfect debut for DISAUTHORITY Originals, artist-led, ambitious, and exactly the kind of powerful genre-driven story we love. Led by visionary women such as Maria Shevtsova, our VP and Head of Originals, and director, Lily, this film embodies the purpose of DISAUTHORITY Originals, to champion bold, unique voices. We’re redefining what independent filmmaking looks like, merging the obsession of post with the energy of production.”

Building on the success of the proof-of-concept short, HOMONYM, produced earlier this year, this feature marks the next step in DISAUTHORITY’s evolution as a high-end post house and a full-fledged independent studio, merging technical precision with creative vision.

The feature is a DISAUTHORITY Originals production, financed by DISAUTHORITY and produced by Maria Shevtsova & Marcus Hundsnes.