Tamsin Topolski (The Madness, What You Wish For, Slow Horses) will lead Afterbirth, a chilling psychological horror marking the feature directorial debut of writer-director Zach Joseph. Joining Topolski is Carrie Crowley (The Quiet Girl) in a key supporting role.
Afterbirth is Produced by Ben Rimmer (Midsommar, Cuckoo), with Casting by Jemima McWilliams (James Bond: No Time to Die) and Prosthetics Design led by Academy Award nominated Tristan Versluis (The Revenant, 1917). The £3mn project begins principal photography in late April for a six-week shoot across the UK.
The film, budgeted at £3m, is the first to be produced by Executive Producer Ryan Dean as part of the RD Originals Feature Fund, a £15m indie fund focused on producing British films. The company intends to deploy the fund across three feature films over the next three years. RD Originals is developing and commissioning two more features for 2026 and 2027.
RD Originals is the UK commissioning arm of the RD Group. Founded in 2009, the RD Group is a vertically integrated film studio, comprising of productions services, post production facilities, film equipment and sound stages including RD Studios in West London.
Afterbirth follows Andrea (Topolski), whose idyllic life in London unravels after a devastating family event. Seeking solace, she retreats with her partner to an isolated location to rebuild their lives. Initially, the isolation offers a glimmer of hope, but as Andrea grapples with her grief, the house’s eerie and oppressive surroundings stir buried memories. Her fragile recovery spirals as something far darker threatens her family.
Director and Screenwriter Zach Joseph said: “The most memorable horror films are always the ones that feel closest to home, that feel human. I want Afterbirth to harness the expressive capabilities of the genre to shine a light on a very harrowing real world subject. It’s a story that’s close to my heart, and I can’t wait to bring it to the screen.”
Executive Producer Ryan Dean said: “Afterbirth launches RD Originals’ mission to reimagine the golden age of filmmaking for modern Britain, with a bold focus on unreliable narrator stories that twist perceptions and grip audiences. Through our vertically integrated model—uniting funding, production, and post-production under our London-based studios ecosystem—we’re betting on the UK, forging a dynamic, self-sustaining future for British cinema.”
Producer Ben Rimmer said: “I was drawn to this project by the quality of the script and Zach’s vision as a storyteller. Afterbirth is both haunting and human, and it’s an exciting start to this ambitious slate.”
Jemima McWilliams, Casting Director: “Tamsin Topolski was our first choice for Afterbirth—her raw emotional depth brings an unforgettable intensity to this role. She’s the perfect anchor for Zach’s haunting vision.”
Tamsin Topolski remarked: “Zach’s script is really special. I’m so thrilled to be involved in the project and can’t wait to get started”
Tamsin Tompolski is represented by Clarence Conway at Independent Talent Group and Ashley Josephson at Mosaic in the US.
Carrie Crowley is represented by Harvey Stein Associates.
Tamsin Topolski image: Ollie Grove
Carrie Crowley image: Beta Bajgartova
Jon Creamer
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