Film Trailer – Watch the official trailer for 'CRUEL HANDS', a 2026 survival thriller directed by Al Kalyk.
Released in theaters and on digital platforms from 24 July 2026 via Dark Sky Films, 'CRUEL HANDS' is set during Australia’s catastrophic 2019 Black Summer bushfires.
The film follows Maria and her 12-year-old son Dai as they flee her violent husband and seek refuge in an abandoned farmhouse. As fires rage across the region and emergency services struggle to locate them, Maria attempts to protect her son while Jason hunts them through the smoke-filled wilderness.
Winner of Dark Matters Best Narrative Feature at Austin Film Festival, 'CRUEL HANDS' also screened as an Official Selection at Austin Film Festival, BeyondFest Chicago, Panic Fest and Cleveland International Film Festival.
📍 Directed by: Al Kalyk
📍 Written by: Al Kalyk and Matthew Kalyk
📍 Produced by: Ashley McLeod and Al Kalyk
📍 Distributor: Dark Sky Films
📍 Genre: Thriller / Horror-Thriller / Survival Thriller
📍 Runtime: 96 minutes
📍 Release Date: 24 July 2026
📍 Release: US Theaters and Digital Platforms
📍 Festival Award: Winner, Dark Matters Best Narrative Feature – Austin Film Festival
📍 Festival Selections: Austin Film Festival, BeyondFest Chicago, Panic Fest and Cleveland International Film Festival
📍 Starring: Mavournee Hazel, Diesel La Torraca, Josh McConville, Harry Greenwood and Geneviève Lemon
🎬 Synopsis: 'CRUEL HANDS' follows Maria and her 12-year-old son Dai as they flee a dangerous home life and seek shelter in an abandoned farmhouse during Australia’s Black Summer bushfires.
As the fires spread and emergency services struggle to find them, Maria tries to keep her son safe while Jason relentlessly searches for them through the smoke-filled wilderness.
Trapped between a natural disaster and the man they are trying to escape, mother and son are pushed into a tense fight for survival.
🎞️ Watch the trailer
