
The Serpent’s Skin (2026) is an Australian horror romance written and directed by Alice Maio Mackay. The independent feature follows a young transgender woman who leaves her hometown behind and discovers an unexpected connection with a tattoo artist. Their relationship takes a dangerous turn after a cursed tattoo unleashes a supernatural force. Released in select U.S. theaters on March 27, 2026, the film combines gothic horror, romance, and supernatural fantasy while exploring identity, trust, and personal growth.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 27, 2026 (Limited Theatrical) |
| Director | Alice Maio Mackay |
| Genre | Horror, Romance, Supernatural |
| Runtime | 83 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Country | Australia |
| Distributor | Dark Star Pictures |
Anna decides to leave her difficult hometown behind in search of a fresh start. After settling into a new city, she meets Gen, a tattoo artist with whom she shares an immediate connection. As their friendship grows into a romance, they discover that they possess unusual supernatural abilities.
Their lives change when one of Gen’s tattoo creations accidentally awakens a powerful demon. The evil entity begins targeting the people around them, forcing Anna and Gen to confront both the supernatural threat and the fears they have carried for years. Working together becomes their only chance to stop the growing danger before more lives are lost.
The Serpent’s Skin is the sixth feature film from Australian filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Benjamin Pahl Robinson. The film premiered on the festival circuit before its theatrical release, earning praise for its practical horror effects, gothic atmosphere, and character-driven storytelling. Editor Vera Drew, known for The People’s Joker, also worked on the project.
The Serpent’s Skin received a limited theatrical release in the United States on March 27, 2026. It became available on digital video-on-demand platforms beginning April 21, 2026. Streaming availability may vary by country and platform.