Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' 'The Young People,' Marking Her Return to Deep Horror

Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman is stepping back into the horror genre, joining Osgood Perkins' new film, 'The Young People,' solidifying Perkins' rapid ascent in the horror world.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on the News

• Nicole Kidman joins the cast of The Young People, a new horror film by Osgood Perkins, marking her latest foray into the genre since iconic roles like The Others.
• Perkins is on a hot streak with distributor Neon, following the box office success of Longlegs and The Monkey, and with Keeper releasing soon.
• Plot details for The Young People are tightly guarded, but rumors suggest a story about a school friendship taking a dark, unsettling turn.

Imagine befriending someone new at school, everything feels perfect, then slowly, subtly, their behavior starts to shift. Little "red flags" pop up, not quite alarming enough to call out, but persistent enough to make your stomach clench. Now, imagine that scenario directed by Osgood Perkins, the filmmaker behind some of the most unnerving horror recent memory has seen. And to sweeten (or perhaps sour?) the deal, add Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman to the mix.

That's the intriguing setup for The Young People, Perkins' latest project, which recently announced Kidman among its impressive ensemble cast. For fans of psychological dread and atmospheric terror, this collaboration is already sparking major buzz, promising a chilling ride. Production is currently underway in Vancouver, with filming slated from October 20, 2025, to December 12, 2025. Source: [Susan Gittins, Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver, November 10, 2025].

Nicole Kidman's Esteemed Return to the Shadows of Horror Cinema

Nicole Kidman has a filmography that boasts incredible range, but it's her ventures into horror that often leave a lasting impression. Think back to 2001's The Others, where her portrayal of a mother protecting her photosensitive children from unseen forces earned critical acclaim and a global box office of over $210 million. Source: [Alex Ritman, Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon, November 10, 2025]. While she's certainly explored darker, unsettling territory since, notably with Yorgos Lanthimos's chilling The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), this new role is drawing comparisons back to the more overtly spooky psychological terror of her earlier genre work.

Her joining The Young People means a significant boost in star power for a film already generating quiet anticipation. Kidman will share the screen with a talented cast including Lola Tung (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Nico Parker (The Last of Us), who are leading the ensemble. Other confirmed names include Brendan Hines, Cush Jumbo, Heather Graham, Johnny Knoxville, Lexi Minetree, Lily Collias, and Tatiana Maslany, who is a frequent collaborator with Perkins.

Osgood Perkins: The Architect of Modern Cinematic Nightmares

Perkins, son of legendary Psycho actor Anthony Perkins, has rapidly established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary horror. His style often leans into atmospheric dread and psychological tension rather than jump scares, a trait his growing fanbase appreciates. This prolific output is part of a "first-look deal" — an agreement where a studio gets the first option to finance and distribute a creator's projects — he signed with Neon, the independent film distributor known for its edgy, award-winning fare.

This partnership has been incredibly fruitful. Their previous collaborations include 2024’s Longlegs, which clawed its way to being the highest-grossing independent film of the year with $75 million domestically and nearly $130 million globally against an estimated budget of $10 million. Source: [Susan Gittins, Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver, November 10, 2025]. Then there's The Monkey, an adaptation of a Stephen King story, which gave Neon its second-biggest opening weekend ever, pulling in almost $70 million globally in Spring 2025. Source: [Susan Gittins, Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver, November 10, 2025].

Before The Young People hits screens, audiences can look forward to Keeper, another Perkins-Neon collaboration starring Tatiana Maslany, set for release on November 14.

"Keeper is pure Perkins. Horror origami that skillfully folds into itself."

— Guillermo del Toro, Director of Frankenstein

"A terrifying, ghostly descent into madness."

— James Wan, Creator of The Conjuring Universe

Unveiling the Enigmatic Plot of 'The Young People'

True to Perkins' style, specific plot details for The Young People are being kept under strict wraps. This intentional secrecy, much like how he held back clear looks at Nicolas Cage's character in Longlegs' marketing, aims to preserve the raw, theatrical experience for the audience. However, faint whispers and online reports offer tantalizing clues.

The most consistent rumor suggests the film "centers on a couple of school friends, one of whom starts to develop red flag behavior." Another intriguing tidbit is the tagline "a bad trip by Osgood Perkins," paired with a cryptic first-look photo showing Lola Tung leaning over a bathtub filled with what is presumably blood. Some corners of the internet are even speculating it might delve into cosmic horror, a subgenre that explores unknown, often incomprehensible, terrors beyond human understanding. This ambiguity only adds to the film's allure, making the eventual reveal all the more impactful.

Example: Imagine a quiet high school student, Sue, who feels like she's finally found her place with a charismatic new friend, Kitty. At first, Kitty's quirks seem endearing — a slightly unsettling stare, an odd fascination with dark folklore. But then, small cruelties begin, aimed at others, then subtly at Sue herself. Isolated incidents, easily dismissed, until Sue finds herself alone in Kitty's old, sprawling house, realizing her new friend's "red flag behavior" might be far more sinister than she ever imagined, slowly unraveling her reality, much like a bad trip.

Addressing the Nuances and Anticipating the Impact of the Project

While the excitement for The Young People is palpable, it's worth noting a couple of considerations. Firstly, the deliberate lack of plot details, while effective for preserving the viewing experience, means early speculation is all we have. This can sometimes build expectations in directions the final film might not take, though Perkins has a strong track record of delivering on atmospheric dread. We also don't yet have a firm release date beyond a general 2026 window, which can feel a bit like waiting for a slow-burn scare to fully unfold.

Secondly, Kidman's "return" to horror is a point of discussion. While The Others is her standout horror classic, her role in The Killing of a Sacred Deer was undeniably dark and disturbing. The distinction here might be less about genre purity and more about the type of horror experience. The Young People appears to lean into a more traditional, perhaps even supernatural, horror narrative, which could feel like a more direct echo of The Others compared to the arthouse psychological terror of Sacred Deer. Regardless, her involvement is a significant draw, promising a performance that will undoubtedly elevate the film's intensity and emotional depth.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Young People'

When is The Young People expected to be released?

The film is currently eyeing a theatrical release sometime in 2026, with no specific date announced yet.

Who is directing The Young People?

Osgood Perkins, known for his horror films like Longlegs and the upcoming Keeper, is directing and also co-producing.

What is the reported plot of The Young People?

While official details are scarce, reports suggest the film revolves around a friendship between two school friends, where one begins to exhibit disturbing "red flag" behavior.

Which studio is releasing The Young People?

Neon will be releasing The Young People theatrically in the U.S. and handling international sales, co-financing with Lyrical Media.

Practical Takeaways: What This Means for Film Fans

• Keep an eye out for initial trailers and official plot synopses, as Perkins is known for his highly curated marketing that hints without spoiling.
• If you're a fan of atmospheric, psychological horror, add this to your must-watch list, especially given Perkins' recent track record with Longlegs.
• For Nicole Kidman enthusiasts, this offers a chance to see her excel in a genre where she has delivered some of her most memorable performances.
• Consider watching Osgood Perkins' upcoming film Keeper (releasing November 14) and his past hits like Longlegs to get a feel for his unique directorial style.
• This project further solidifies Neon's position as a powerhouse for compelling, often genre-bending, independent cinema.

Sources:

• Andreas Wiseman, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins Horror-Thriller ‘The Young People’," Deadline, November 10, 2025.
• Alex Ritman, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon," Variety, November 10, 2025.
• Susan Gittins, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE Filming in Vancouver," Hollywood North Buzz, November 10, 2025.
• Maggie Boccella, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins' 'The Young People' Filming in Vancouver," FANGORIA, November 10, 2025.
• Anthony Nash, "Nicole Kidman Joins Acclaimed Horror Director’s Next Movie," ComingSoon.net, November 10, 2025.
• Alex DiVincenzo, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Young People’," Bloody Disgusting, November 10, 2025.
• Brad Miska, "Nicole Kidman Joins Osgood Perkins’s THE YOUNG PEOPLE," Bloody Disgusting, November 10, 2025.
• Alex Ritman, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon," The Hollywood Reporter, November 10, 2025.
• Alex Ritman, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon," IMDb, November 10, 2025.
• Alex Ritman, "Nicole Kidman Joins ‘The Young People’ From ‘Longlegs’ Director Osgood Perkins and Neon," Variety Film + TV, November 10, 2025.