LOS ANGELES, JUNE 20, 2025: The City of Angels has dipped into the shadows, making things spicier than ever. Hollywood is all abuzz as Emily Robinson has officially finished filming her directorial debut, Ugly Cry, in Los Angeles. Fans can’t wait for this body horror film, which Robinson wrote herself and which stars Robin Tunney of The Craft and Empire Records fame, Ryan Simpkins from Fear Street and Brigsby Bear, and Aaron Dominguez from Only Murders in the Building and Shaft.
A Bold New Vision in Body Horror
The plot is still under wraps, but Ugly Cry is being billed as a raw look at today’s beauty standards, seen through the eyes of a young actress who’s famous for her “ugly cry.” The film promises to crack open the weight and hopes linked to beauty today, combining a strong mental game with creepy horror bits.
Joining the star lineup are Leeds Morris, Alia LaRay Abro, Von Hasberg, Josh Ruben, and Melinda McGraw, adding layers and fresh faces to the project.
Powerhouse Production Team
The film’s production was led by Jolene Mendes, Sophia Sabella, and Pablo Feldman over at More Avenue, joined by Ian O’Connor and Tristan Bechet from Neon Heart Productions. Emily Robinson wears many hats – she directs, stars, and even produces, making sure her vision comes to life just the way she wants. The show’s executive producers are Appel, Campbell Capital’s Kyle Campbell, Troy Press, Debbie von Arnswaldt, and Galileo Mondol.
Industry Representation
Behind these stars stand some big-name agencies. Simpkins signs with Canopy Media and Buchwald, Dominguez partners with Canopy Partners and The White Agency, while Tunney relies on Gersh. With Foundation Media Partners and Buchwald behind him, Robinson’s in good hands, just like the rest of the cast who have big agencies backing them.
The team isn’t spilling any story secrets yet, but Emily Robinson couldn’t hide her excitement when she spoke to Deadline, saying,
Bringing Ugly Cry to life has been a dream. I wanted to create a film that’s not afraid to get messy, both emotionally and visually. This cast brought everything I hoped for and more.
Robin Tunney was on the same page and told IMDb,
“It’s rare to find a script that’s both terrifying and deeply human. Emily’s vision is so unique, and I think audiences are going to be blown away.“
What’s Next for ‘Ugly Cry’?
Filming has wrapped up, and industry talk has shifted to which festivals might pick it up and how they plan to release it. With all the buzz around it, many think Ugly Cry will stand out at big festivals like Sundance or TIFF, where fresh horror flicks have been winning hearts lately.
Even before it hits the screens, Ugly Cry is already making a lot of noise on social media. The hashtag #UglyCryMovie is going viral on Twitter among horror fans and cinephiles, who are thrilled and calling it the next big emotional horror hit.
With themes that hit home and acting that packs a punch, Ugly Cry is shaping up to be a festival favorite. Industry analysts, as Deadline reports, think the film could land streaming deals with big platforms, following the recent trend set by indie horror hits.
Early buzz says Ugly Cry might blow up through pure word-of-mouth hype. With post-production underway and festival submissions around the corner, fans are eager to see if Robinson and her cast can give us a film that makes us bawl our eyes out and shows horror in a whole new light.
Stay tuned for more updates!
