The Vile is the latest intense horror/psychological thriller from acclaimed Emirati filmmaker and genre master Majid Al Ansari (Zinzana, The Intruder, “Paranormal” series). The alum of Fantastic Fest made his 2025 return with the world premiere of The Vile, shot entirely on 16mm film. His debut feature was Zinzana (Rattle The Cage) in 2015. The Vile is a blend of supernatural and horror elements that is a viscerally gripping exploration of polygamy, greed, betrayal, and trauma—told through the eyes of a mother and her daughter. From the moment the husband arrives with another woman to present to his first/current wife and teenage daughter, the horror of this reality was going to lead to nowhere else but deep, dark places where there are no “winners.” I could feel the evilness of the new/younger lover.
I am including this information, as received in the press release, about the filmmaker and his work on the film. “While polygamy is a familiar concept in the UAE, Al Ansari boldly questions notions of gender inequality and consent in relationships, making “The Vile” as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.” The performances are very well done.
The Vile features the talents of international stars Bdoor Mohammed (“La Tuqasus Ru’yak, “Ghassat Ubor”, “Majareeh” “Embers Years”), Sarah Taibah (“Night Courier”, “VHS Tape Replaced”, Fays Palette”), Iman Tarik (The Vile), Jassem AlKharraz (“Embers Year”, “Daw Dames”), Nora Ali (“Camera Ready and Abel”, “Cheddar News”, “Closing Bell”), Saeed AlHarsh (“The Anbush”, “Female Jinn” series), and Samira Al Wahaibi (“Rehlet Daeaa”).
The Vile is based on a story by and directed by Majid Al Ansari, with a screenplay written by Majid Al Ansari & Johnnie Alward (The Matter At Hand, Wendigo, Something Bad). Director of Photography Benjamin Kirk Nielsen (Watcher, Slut) does an excellent job of capturing scenes that convey the terror the mother and daughter are experiencing.
Running Time: 97 Minutes, Countries of Production: UAE, USA, Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
The film will have its European premiere at the Sitges Film Festival (October 13th) and its London premiere at the BFI (October 15th). The Vile won the Best Horror Film at Fantastic Fest.
Source: Fantastic Fest, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, and Spooky Pictures | Breakout Films