Preview by Jon Donnis
Bari Kang steps into the horror spotlight with Itch!, a tense and unsettling debut that has already stirred attention following its UK premiere at Grimmfest. Set for a digital release on 20 April 2026 through Seven Tales, the film arrives with a strong sense of purpose and a premise that feels uncomfortably close to the bone.
Kang wears several hats here, writing, directing, producing, and taking on the central role of Jay. It is a bold move, but one that gives the film a clear, personal edge. Jay is not a typical horror lead. He is a widower, weighed down by grief, trying to hold himself together as the world around him begins to unravel. That emotional grounding becomes the backbone of the story, giving the chaos that follows something human to cling to.
The outbreak at the centre of Itch! is as brutal as it is immediate. A fast spreading infection known as The Itch drives its victims into violent, self destructive states, turning everyday people into unpredictable threats. Against this backdrop, Jay and his daughter, played by Kang's real life daughter Olivia Kang, search for safety in a city that is quickly losing any sense of order.
Their refuge comes in the form of a convenience store, a setting that feels ordinary at first glance but soon reveals itself to be anything but safe. What begins as shelter becomes something far more claustrophobic. The danger is not just outside. It seeps into the room, carried by fear, suspicion, and the fragile instincts of survival.
As tensions rise within the group trapped inside, the film leans into the psychological strain of confinement. Trust becomes a luxury no one can afford. Every glance, every decision carries weight. The infection is relentless, but the real question is how far people will go when pushed to the edge. It is here that Itch! finds its sharpest edge, exploring the uneasy space between protecting others and preserving oneself.
The relationship between Jay and his daughter adds a layer of emotional urgency that cuts through the horror. Their bond is tested at every turn, shaped by loss, fear, and the desperate need to endure. The film does not shy away from the cost of survival, building towards a climax that promises to leave a lasting impression.
With a cast that includes Patrick Michael Valley, Ximena Uribe, Mia Ventura Lucas, and Douglas Stirling, Itch! positions itself as more than just another outbreak thriller. It aims to unsettle not only through its premise, but through the choices its characters are forced to make.
Arriving in the UK on 20 April and the US a day later, Itch! looks set to deliver a bleak, gripping experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
