In some movie news today, acclaimed horror director Richard Oakes is back with his third feature film,
JINX, currently in pre-production and set to begin principal photography in September 2025.
Known for his previous critically acclaimed genre films, HOSTS and FEED ME, Oakes is taking
a bold new direction: horror the whole family can enjoy.
This time, filmmaking is a full family venture. Working alongside his wife Roo Oakes and their children, Richard is creating a unique horror experience with a 12A rating, allowing his own kids—and audiences of all ages—to watch it in cinemas. Instead of the full-throttle gore of his earlier films, JINX leans into a creepy, atmospheric tone, inspired by classic 80s supernatural tales and practical effects.
“I wanted to make a film that’s still true to the eerie horror style I love,” Richard says, “but something fun, accessible, and magical—where my kids could be involved in the process and actually watch the finished film.”
To bring the story to life, the Oakes family has gone hands-on—literally building the set themselves, including a full-scale creepy attic that plays a central role in the film. Costumes, props, and design elements are also being crafted by the family, creating a deeply personal aesthetic. Special creature effects are being handled by the legendary Neal Harvey of Rubber Gorilla, ensuring the monsters are as unforgettable as they are family-friendly.
“Building the set with Richard has been amazing,” says Roo Oakes, who is taking on a Producer role as well as co-designing the production. “It’s such a rare thing to share a creative journey like this with your husband and kids. We’re making memories and a movie at the same time.”
JINX is a supernatural horror tale set in the 1980s, following Mia, a mute girl who moves into a new house with a dark past. When her younger brother disappears under mysterious circumstances, Mia discovers a cursed dollhouse in the attic that mirrors their real home—and may be the key to saving him.
The film stars Chloe, Anto Sharp, Alyssa Haymor, & Christopher Mulvin and is produced by Marc Zammit, who previously collaborated with Richard on ‘Homeless Ashes’, ‘Witch’, and ‘JITTERS’
As the attic creaks open, and production ramps up, JINX promises to be a hauntingly heartfelt adventure—a film made by a family, for families who love to be scared together.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
