Shudder is bringing a new Italian horror film to viewers this November. Titled The Holy Boy, the Paolo Strippoli-directed movie has unveiled its official trailer. The story follows a teacher who arrives in a village where residents believe a young boy can relieve their pain. However, the mysterious practice soon reveals a much darker side.
The streaming service has released a new trailer ahead of the film’s November 27 debut. The movie stars Michele Riondino as Sergio, a teacher who moves to Remis, a secluded village known as the happiest town in Italy. But the happiness comes from a disturbing secret.
Check out The Holy Boy trailer below.
What do we see in The Holy Boy trailer?
The trailer introduces Matteo, a quiet 15-year-old played by Giulio Feltri. Every week, villagers line up to embrace the boy, believing his touch can absorb and eliminate their physical and emotional pain.
At first, the ritual seems like a miracle. But Sergio soon discovers that the villagers’ devotion to Matteo hides something sinister. When he tries to save the boy, the community turns against him.
The footage features frightening visions, hangings, and evil spirits that show the village’s unusual tradition and its dangerous consequences. The story also shows how far people will go to escape suffering and what they might lose in the process.
Strippoli directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Jacopo Del Giudice and Milo Tissone. The cast also includes Paolo Pierobon, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Sergio Romano, Anna Bellato, Sandra Toffolatti, and Roberto Citran.
The Holy Boy premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025 and later earned several awards. It won the Audience Award and New Wave Best Director at Fantastic Fest 2025. The film also received Best Director and Best Cinematography at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. It currently holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Holy Boy will begin streaming on Shudder on November 27, 2026.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
