Thomas Mendolia’s upcoming psychological horror film, Henry’s Ebb, brings together a familiar face from Widow’s Bay and several young performers, including Banks Repeta. Led by Kingston Rumi Southwick, the film explores the unsettling boundary between childhood companionship and psychological control. With its Southern Gothic atmosphere and a story rooted in childhood trauma, the project is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the independent horror scene.

But Southwick and Repeta are not carrying this unsettling journey alone. Mendolia has assembled a supporting ensemble featuring familiar faces from television and independent cinema, with several performers bringing intriguing credits to the film. 

Who stars in Henry’s Ebb?

The ensemble features a mix of emerging performers and familiar faces from independent films and television. Here is a look at the actors and their characters:

Kingston Rumi Southwick as Henry: The young protagonist escaping an abusive home. Southwick also plays Evan Loftis in Apple TV’s Widow’s Bay and appeared in Presumed Innocent.

Banks Repeta as Ebb: Henry’s imaginary companion, whose increasingly controlling behavior drives the psychological tension. Repeta previously appeared in The Black Phone and Armageddon Time.

Ashley Shelton as Shannon: A supporting character. Her credits include War Pony, A Little Prayer, and Teacup.

Will A. Holland as Grant: Another member of the supporting ensemble, with credits including Captain America: Brave New World.

Rebecca Deese as Michelle: Appears as part of the film’s supporting cast and previously featured in Gospel.

Braxton Alexander as Nick: Known for his appearance in The Righteous Gemstones.

Rebecca Koon: A supporting cast member whose previous credits include The Menu and Radio.

Katie Kuang as Phoebe: Previously appeared in Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Lee Spencer as Doug: Known for The Peanut Butter Falcon.

Rachel Stitt as Cindy: Also appears in the film’s supporting ensemble, as per IMDB.

Austin Willard as Chris: Previously appeared in The Bard.

Michael Flannery as Officer: His earlier credits include The Last of the Mohicans.

But the casting connection to another horror project is particularly interesting, especially for viewers who have been following the recent wave of genre television. Southwick is not the only reason Henry’s Ebb might attract attention, as the film also gives audiences an opportunity to see how familiar young performers approach a very different kind of unsettling story.

How does Henry’s Ebb approach horror differently from Widow’s Bay?

While Widow’s Bay uses an entire community’s superstitions, eccentric residents, and long-buried secrets to build its horror-comedy atmosphere, Henry’s Ebb takes a much more intimate route. Its frightening premise revolves around a child whose search for safety becomes complicated by his relationship with an imaginary companion. Rather than relying on an isolated island and its collective fears, Mendolia places the psychological tension within Henry’s childhood experience.

There is also a personal dimension to Thomas Mendolia’s filmmaking. Setting Henry’s Ebb in Elkin, North Carolina, his hometown, allows the filmmaker to draw from familiar Southern landscapes rather than treating the location as a generic horror backdrop. That sense of geographical and personal familiarity can give the film’s road-trip elements a more grounded quality, particularly as Henry encounters the world beyond his troubled home. The film’s central horror rests on an unsettling question: what happens when the person a child trusts most is also the person he should fear?

The 88-minute feature is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 11, 2026. Although a wider theatrical or streaming release date has not been announced, the festival debut offers audiences their first opportunity to experience Mendolia’s feature directorial debut.

Which cast member are you most excited to see in the film? Share your thoughts in the comments!.