Penny Lane Is Dead


Penny Lane Is Dead is a 2025 Australian dark comedy horror thriller film directed by Mia'Kate Russell.

Synopsis

Set in the hot summer of 1986, the story starts with a party at a beach house, at which Penny Lane is celebrating her university acceptance with her best friends Toni and Amy. Uninvited guests arrive, a prank goes wrong, and events descend into mayhem and violence.

Cast

Production

Penny Lane Is Dead is the debut feature film by Mia'Kate Russell, who writes and directs the film. Russell previously directed the horror short films Maggie May and Liz Drives, which won awards.
It is produced by Julie [Ryan (Australian producer)|Julie Ryan], Ari Harrison, Andre Luiz Lima Sampaio, and Carly Maple. Cinematography is by Liam Gilmour, and the score was composed by Chiara Costanza. Dan Lee edited the film, and Erica Ockenden was production designer.
Sanctuary Pictures and Buffalo Media produced, in association with Cyan Films. Major funding was provided by Screen Australia and produced in association with the South [Australian Film Corporation], VicScreen, and Adelaide Film Festival.
Executive producers are Joel Anderson, John Sheedy, and Jeff Harrison.
Filming and production took place around Adelaide, including at Adelaide Studios, with post-production at Kojo Studios.

Release

First footage was screened by Upgrade Productions at the Marché du Film at Cannes in May 2025.
The film premieres at the 2025 Adelaide Film Festival on Saturday 18 October at the Piccadilly Cinema in North Adelaide, with a "pink carpet" event before the screening.
Australian distribution will be done by Umbrella Entertainment, with Upgrade Productions responsible for international sales.