Beauty can be deadly in Scissor Mouth, an upcoming Southern Gothic horror movie that turns society’s obsession with appearance into something truly grotesque. Tara Reid is set to lead the cast, with Johnny Pemberton (Fallout) also starring.

Set in the early 1980s, Scissor Mouth follows a teenage girl who finally escapes years of captivity at the hands of her beauty-obsessed mother. But freedom comes with a bloody price, as a trail of horrific “makeovers” is left behind across rural West Texas.

Written and directed by Deborah Richards, the indie horror film is described as a contemporary Southern Gothic inspired by an ancient Japanese folktale, using horror to explore the brutal consequences of society’s impossible beauty standards.

Richards says the story is a personal response to the pressures surrounding beauty and the lasting damage they can inflict.

“Scissor Mouth is my response to the impossible standards of beauty and the scars they leave behind,” Richards said.

The filmmaker also revealed that Pemberton’s role was written specifically with the actor in mind, citing his combination of humor and heart. Reid, meanwhile, brings what Richards describes as the ideal mix of charm, unpredictability, and humanity to the disturbing world of Scissor Mouth.

Producer Patrick Wirtz believes the film could have the makings of a future cult favorite, calling the script provocative and fearless.

“We have a provocative, fearless script that speaks directly to the world we’re living in today,” Wirtz said. “It’s the kind of horror that gets under your skin and stays with you.”

With its blend of Southern Gothic horror, Japanese folklore, gruesome makeovers, and twisted beauty standards, Scissor Mouth looks to deliver a particularly nasty take on the lengths people will go to in pursuit of perfection.

More details, including a release date and first-look footage, are expected as production continues.