The international film circuit is officially buzzing as the 76th Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) has pulled back the curtain on its prestigious competition lineup for 2026. For those of us who live in the shadows of the genre, all eyes are on a few standout titles that promise to deliver the psychological tension and atmospheric dread we crave. Under the continued artistic direction of Tricia Tuttle, the festival is reinforcing its reputation as a premiere destination for boundary-pushing cinema that often flirts with the darker side of the human condition.
The Return of Riley Keough in 'Rosebush Pruning'
Topping the list of must-watch titles is Karim Aïnouz’s latest feature, Rosebush Pruning. The film boasts a powerhouse trio of talent: Riley Keough, Callum Turner, and Elle Fanning. For horror fans, Riley Keough is practically royalty, having delivered haunting performances in modern classics like The Lodge and the neon-soaked Under the Silver Lake. Her involvement alone is enough to send a chill of anticipation down our spines.
Rosebush Pruning is particularly intriguing because it serves as a contemporary reimagining of Marco Bellocchio’s 1965 Italian masterpiece, I Pugni in Tasca (Fists in the Pocket). The original film was a shocking exploration of family dysfunction, epilepsy, and dark impulses, often cited as a precursor to the gritty, psychological thrillers that would define the decades to follow. With Aïnouz at the helm—a director known for his lush, sensory-driven storytelling—we expect this version to lean heavily into the visceral and perhaps even the body horror elements suggested by its floral, sharp-edged title.
Prestige Genre Hits the Global Stage
Joining the competition is Channing Tatum’s latest project, Josephine. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, its inclusion in the Berlinale competition suggests a significant pivot toward high-concept drama or psychological complexity. Tatum has been increasingly selective with his roles, and seeing him in a lineup traditionally reserved for auteur-driven, challenging narratives suggests that Josephine might be one of the year’s most unexpected genre-adjacent surprises.
The Berlin Film Festival has a long-standing history of embracing the macabre. From the body horror of David Cronenberg to the surrealist nightmares of the world’s most daring international directors, Berlinale is where "elevated horror" often finds its first footing. The 2026 edition appears to be no different, focusing on international voices that push the limits of traditional storytelling. Tricia Tuttle’s second year as artistic director seems to be doubling down on this global emphasis, ensuring that the competition reflects a wide array of cultural anxieties.
Why Horror Fans Should Pay Attention
Why does a festival like Berlin matter to the average horror fan? Because this is where the next The Witch or Saint Maud is born. The festival circuit acts as a filter for the most innovative ideas in the genre. When a film like Rosebush Pruning gets a competition slot, it signals that the horror elements are being handled with a level of craft and sophistication that demands attention. We aren't just looking at jumpscares here; we are looking at the evolution of psychological terror.
As we head into February, the ScreamDesk team will be keeping a close eye on the early reviews coming out of the Potsdamer Platz. Between the casting of Riley Keough—who remains one of the most daring actresses in the genre today—and the pedigree of the source material, Rosebush Pruning is officially at the top of our 2026 watchlist. Stay tuned for more updates as the festival kicks off and the first reactions to these dark tales begin to surface.