Anna Zlokovic’s directorial debut, the body horror film “Appendage,” had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this year. Now, it’s gearing up for a wider release on the Hulu streaming service, scheduled for October 2nd. With less than a week until the release date, the embedded trailer above provides a glimpse of what to expect from “Appendage” this Halloween season.

Scripted by Anna Zlokovic, who also served as a producer alongside Alex Familian and Katrina Kudlick, “Appendage” delves into the following narrative: Hannah, a young fashion designer, appears outwardly fine but secretly grapples with paralyzing self-doubt. These buried emotions soon manifest as physical illness and the growth of a grotesque appendage on her body. This appendage becomes a breeding ground for her anxieties, magnifying her perceived lack of talent at work, her deteriorating relationships with her boyfriend and best friend, and her parents’ seeming lack of love and understanding. At her breaking point, Hannah makes a shocking discovery – there are others out there like her.

Hadley Robinson (“The Pale Blue Eye”) takes on the role of Hannah, joined by a talented cast that includes Emily Hampshire (“Schitt’s Creek”), Deborah Rennard (“Dallas”), Kausar Mohammed (“4400”), Brandon Mychal Smith (“Let It Shine”), Pat Dortch (“Atlanta”), and Annie Pisapia (“Fresh Kills”).

The film was developed by 20th Digital Studio, with executive producers David Worthen Brooks, Arbi Pedrossian, and Jenna Cavelle. Production services were provided by Katrina Kudlick of Fever Dream Studios, while Emma Buerklin serves as a co-producer.

Following its premiere at SXSW, “Appendage” has garnered 14 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, currently holding a 64% fresh rating. Positive reviews describe the film as “wicked good fun” and praise its “fantastic creature design.” However, some negative reviews point out shortcomings in the execution of the concept, suggesting that it might have worked better as a short film. Interestingly, “Appendage” is an expansion of a short film that Zlokovic created a few years ago.

Audiences will soon have the opportunity to form their own opinions on “Appendage” when it becomes available for streaming on Hulu next month. Are you intrigued by the trailer? Will you be adding this film to your watchlist for the upcoming Halloween season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.