Thor Moreno’s SCHISM: A Chilling,Clever Puzzle You Won’t See Coming

Well, well.well, Just when you think you’ve got psychological thrillers all figured out, along comes SCHISM, the latest mind-bender from indie director Thor Moreno. If you’re looking for a cozy little horror flick where you can predict the ending by the halfway mark, think again, my friend. Moreno’s SCHISM plays its cards so close to its chest that you’re left squinting at the screen, wondering if your mind’s playing tricks on you—or if it’s just the film.

The film is set to premiere at the American Film Market (AFM) on November 8th and let me tell you, SCHISM is no run-of-the-mill scare-fest. Moreno, who’s been making a name for himself in the indie circuit since 2002, is back to his old tricks—crafting dark, brooding atmospheres with stories that leave you with a gnawing feeling long after the credits roll. And if his 11 festival wins (yes, you read that right) weren’t enough to convince you of his talent, SCHISM will.

Let’s talk plot, shall we? SCHISM is a devilishly clever piece of work that teeters between reality and illusion—one minute, you think you’re standing on solid ground, and the next, it’s gone. We follow a clairvoyant battling her own visions, trying to figure out what’s real and what’s… well, not so real. All the while, the fog-draped, haunting landscape of Northern California’s Lost Coast serves as a moody backdrop. Moreno didn’t just stumble on this location—it’s as much a character in the film as the clairvoyant herself. Foggy, mysterious, and unsettling, it adds an extra layer of unease to an already tense narrative.

What makes Moreno’s work stand out (and SCHISM in particular) is the sheer craftsmanship. It’s clear he’s a director who doesn’t just make films—he dissects them, piecing them together with precision. He’s obsessed with keeping you guessing, and I’ll bet you 50 quid you won’t see the ending of SCHISM coming. It’s one of those rare moments in cinema where you’re caught off guard, questioning what you’ve just witnessed.

Now, before we get too caught up in Moreno’s genius, it’s worth noting that SCHISM isn’t just about cheap thrills or twists for the sake of twists. No, this is a film that genuinely digs into the psyche—both of its characters and its audience. It leaves you uncomfortable, not in a gory way, but in that unnerving, can’t-shake-it-off kind of way. Moreno has built a reputation for blending psychological complexity with a dark edge, and SCHISM fits snugly into that mold.

Watch the trailer here:

https://youtu.be/kcu1NCDgQ6E?si=1SvuqWuisb__pQ6l

And let’s not forget the man behind the lens. Moreno’s previous works have been showcased at more than 38 international film festivals, so it’s safe to say the guy knows his way around a camera and a script. His Best Director win at the Cannes World Film Festival was no fluke, and SCHISM looks poised to add to his growing list of accolades.

So, mark your calendars for November 8th, because once SCHISM makes its debut at AFM, it’s bound to leave people talking. It’s clever, it’s chilling, and it’s a film that gets under your skin in the most deliciously unsettling way possible. Thor Moreno, take a bow—you’ve done it again.
And if I were you, I’d watch it with the lights on. You know, just in case.

Follow along here: schism-movie.com | thormoreno.com

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