“Secrets, Supernatural, and Small Towns”: A Conversation withThor Moreno on GRIMSHAW

With GRIMSHAW set to hit streaming platforms this summer, I sat down (virtually) with award-winning director Thor Moreno to dig into the foggy mysteries behind his latest horror noir. Here’s what he had to say about supernatural justice, Midwest inspiration, and why this film is going to be a wild ride.

Q: GRIMSHAW feels like a real departure from typical horror. What drew you to this story?

Thor Moreno: I’ve always been fascinated by places that seem frozen in time—small towns with secrets. Jan Walters and I started tossing around the idea of a supernatural entity that actually believes it’s justified in what it does. That’s a much more interesting villain than just something evil for evil’s sake.

Q: You’re known for your character-driven stories. How does Agent Danielle Roland fit into that tradition?

Moreno: Danielle is the kind of character I love—smart, driven, but also vulnerable. She’s not just fighting external threats, but her own doubts and fears. Caitlin Allen really brought that complexity to the screen.

Q: The setting of Grimshaw is almost a character itself. How did you create that atmosphere?

Moreno: We shot in some pretty wild conditions—heat waves, thunderstorms, you name it. But honestly, that helped. The fog, humidity, the silence, the sense that everyone’s hiding something... it all came together on camera thanks to Grant Gale, our director of photography.

Q: What can fans of your previous work expect from GRIMSHAW?

Moreno: If you liked the psychological twists of SCHISM or the emotional depth of New Providence, you’ll find both here. But GRIMSHAW also has a lot of fun with folklore and mystery. It’s scary, but it’s also a puzzle.

Q: Any message for your fans as the release approaches?

Moreno: I can’t wait for you all to see this one. It’s been a journey, and I hope GRIMSHAW keeps you up at night—in the best way possible!

GRIMSHAW streams this summer. Contact Damon Moreno at damon@theinnerlightagency.com.