Introduction Of First Moon 2025
Released in May 2025, First Moon 2025 is a psychological horror film from Australia that fuses religious fanaticism with werewolf folklore. Written and directed by Peter McLeod, this indie horror release explores how fear and faith can intertwine in disturbing ways. The film tells the story of a young woman held captive by a religious cult that believes she is infected with a sexually transmitted werewolf virus. Their intention is to purify her soul before the first full moon—or eliminate her. With a tense atmosphere, slow-building narrative, and chilling performances, First Moon offers a fresh take on the werewolf genre.
Storyline and Genre
first moon 2025 is a horror-thriller centered around Jessica, a waitress who is kidnapped by a radical cult. The group believes Jessica has been cursed with a supernatural virus that will turn her into a werewolf under the next full moon. What follows is a psychological battle as Jessica endures interrogation, torture, and rituals intended to cleanse her. The film balances themes of faith, control, and transformation while building dread through tension rather than jump scares. With a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes, it leans more toward slow-burn horror than action-heavy creature features.
Cast and Performances
The cast is led by Lauren Esposito, who plays Jessica. Her portrayal of a woman caught between survival and submission stands out as the emotional core of the movie. Supporting her are several strong performances:
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Julian Curtis as Thomas, a conflicted member of the cult
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Shannon Ryan as Elyse, one of the main enforcers of the cult’s beliefs
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Soren Jensen as Father Torquemada, the cold and manipulative cult leader
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Yasmin Langlois as Monique, a younger cult follower
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Anthony Ciccotosto as Marcus, a brutal and devout enforcer
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Mitchell Slater as Matt, a character who connects Jessica’s past to the unfolding events
The supporting cast, while not composed of major Hollywood stars, delivers convincing performances. The ensemble’s commitment to their roles enhances the film’s emotional and psychological intensity.
Direction and Production Team
Peter McLeod, the film’s writer and director, made his feature debut with first moon 2025. His direction leans into atmosphere, using long takes, isolated locations, and tight framing to create claustrophobia and unease. Tanya Esposito served as the film’s producer. The cinematography by Dillon Pearce creates a stark, unsettling visual tone, while the original score by Dominic Cabusi and Bronte Maree O’Neill builds suspense without overpowering the dialogue or performances. The editing, led by Balraj Khan, ensures a steady pacing that gradually builds toward the film’s climax.
Special effects, particularly the film’s gore and final transformation sequences, were created by Thomas E. Surprenant along with a dedicated effects team. Rather than relying heavily on CGI, the team focused on practical effects, which received praise for their gritty realism.
Shooting Duration and Locations Of First Moon 2025
While exact production timelines have not been disclosed publicly, first moon 2025 appears to have been shot over a compact schedule typical for independent horror films. Filming likely took place over several weeks in isolated Australian locations. The rural and remote settings played a significant role in creating the eerie atmosphere, adding to the film’s sense of isolation and helplessness. The majority of scenes were filmed indoors or in low-lit exteriors to enhance the visual darkness of the narrative.
Budget and Production Cost
first moon 2025 is an independent film, and while no official budget figures have been revealed, it is evident that the production was made on a modest budget. Given the minimal use of locations, small cast, and reliance on practical effects over digital enhancements, the film likely operated within a low to mid six-figure range. Despite its limited resources, the film makes effective use of its budget through strong performances, solid production design, and thoughtful cinematography of First Moon 2025.
Earnings and Release
The film was released on May 6, 2025, directly to digital platforms. It was made available for rent and purchase on services such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Microsoft’s store. The rental price was typically around $4.99, while digital purchase ranged from $9.99 to $12.99 depending on the region.
No box office figures are available due to the lack of a theatrical release. However, its presence on multiple streaming platforms suggests that First Moon may have achieved moderate earnings in line with similar digital-only horror films. The absence of a major studio or wide marketing campaign likely limited its reach, but within horror communities, it has sparked discussion for its originality and themes.
Audience and Critical Reception
Audience reception has been mixed. On IMDb, the film holds a rating of approximately 5.4 out of 10. Viewers praised the concept and practical effects but criticized the slow pacing and limited werewolf action until the third act. On platforms like Letterboxd, users appreciated the atmosphere and performances but noted that the film was more psychological drama than monster horror.
Critics from niche horror websites have echoed these sentiments. Reviews highlight the film’s thematic ambition, the disturbing realism of the cult, and the strength of the lead performance. Common criticisms include the sluggish pace and a lack of full werewolf transformation payoff, which some fans of the genre may expect First Moon 2025.
Conclusion
first moon 2025is not a traditional werewolf horror but rather a psychological examination of fear, faith, and transformation. With a compelling lead performance, unsettling atmosphere, and strong practical effects, it offers a fresh twist on the genre. Though it operates on a modest budget and doesn’t deliver fast-paced action, it succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking horror experience. For fans of indie horror that challenges conventions, First Moon 2025 is worth watching.
