This Halloween, a local Inland Empire landmark is taking center stage in a chilling new supernatural mystery. The atmospheric waters of Lake Gregory and the mountain community of Crestline serve as the primary setting for THE OTHERKIND, an award-winning independent thriller now streaming nationwide on Amazon Prime Video.
Written and directed by Mary C. Russell, the 73-minute film transforms the tranquil, picturesque San Bernardino Valley landscape into an atmospheric epicenter of eerie folklore and environmental dread. Inspired by ancient Irish selkie mythology, THE OTHERKIND follows a local police officer unraveling a bizarre car crash mystery alongside a young woman dealing with an inexplicable, terrifying encounter at the water’s edge.
For horror fans looking for the perfect seasonal watch, the film offers a unique local connection. Rather than relying on Hollywood soundstages, the filmmakers used the natural, haunting beauty of the Crestline area to build tension.
“One of the remarkable things about independent filmmaking is discovering locations that become an essential part of the storytelling,” said Gary LaBranche, executive producer. “Lake Gregory and the Crestline area provided a beautiful, haunting, and distinctive setting that perfectly fits the film’s tone.”
“The lake is more than just a beautiful background; its waters and unique mountain landscape act as a central character, driving the film’s mystery and ecological themes,” added director Mary C. Russell.
The production was a true community effort, capitalizing on local geography, regional talent, and neighborhood businesses to craft a distinct cinematic experience. The film marks the feature directing debut of Russell and the producing debut of Caroline O’Meara, whose past work includes writing for the popular television series H2O: Just Add Water.
“We were thrilled to feature local talent and businesses in a community that embraced our production,” said producer Caroline O’Meara. “We hope audiences are not only entertained, but inspired to protect our planet’s vital water resources.”
Executive produced by Gary and Karen LaBranche, THE OTHERKIND is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video and other major digital platforms.
