This Psychological Horror Film Exploring Black Trauma Will Give You Chills

The House Invictus is the upcoming feature film by Nigerian filmmaker, Uche Aguh.

The thriller explores the effects of black trauma, as it tells the story of a group of black men participating in what, appears to be, a fateful initiation in a strikingly beautiful yet eerie setting.

Here's a full description of the film via Shadow and Act:

The House Invictus is a psychological thriller that examines the shared history of black folk in America, both modern, and past. Blood, chaos, upheaval, sex and religion and it's cultural fall out blended with the psychology of race, masculinity and the power of brotherhood.

The movie's stunning cinematography, and stark subject matter stand out in the recently released trailer. The movie stars actors Jarius Sowells, Kayode Akinyemi, Vincent Ramirez, Thiree Pinnock, Julian Horton, Obum Nwankwo and J. Shawn Durham.

For the filmmaker, the visual elements were at the forefront of telling the story. Aguh says that's it's left to viewers to further the conversation around the social themes that the film presents.

"To me, it's an exhibitionist film, something of a painting, or a gallery of paintings—The film does not justify, validate, or give reason to the issues discussed," the writer and director tellsShadow and Act."It simply presents them in an artistic way, highlighting the ways they affect the characters involved, while leaving the audience with the opportunity to do the cerebral work of asking more questions and furthering the conversation along.

He also spoke with the publication about how his experiences as a black man in America have led him to dedicate much of his work to uplifting the narratives of people who look like him:

The film was written and directed by me, out of frustration. I had never intended to write a story so steeped in race. As a Nigerian-born American, I have found that in the past, I have always been a bit more reluctant and removed when it came to the conversation surrounding race in America. I had no real precedent for such a discussion as I didn't learn about slavery or racism in Nigeria. I also felt like I didn't own the space to talk about race as I always felt more Nigerian than American. But now, having lived in America, for a considerable portion of my adult life, I've come to understand the race conversation with first-hand encounters, and with the regime of the new presidency, I've become acutely even more vigilant in my awareness of these issues and my desire to talk about them regardless of my discomfort or the discomfort of anyone else.

The film's trailer will likely leave you frightened, yet wanting more. Check it out above. No word as to when the film will be released, but we'll keep you posted as we learn more.