Gay Horror Film The Restoration at Grayson Manor to Premiere at DIFF
A gothic horror with a queer edge is heading to Dublin.
The Restoration at Grayson Manor, filmed in County Laois, will make its Irish premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival later this month. The film stars Chris Colfer alongside Alice Krige and is directed by Irish filmmaker Glenn McQuaid.
Blending dark humour, body horror and family melodrama, the film explores toxic dynamics through a distinctly gothic lens.
A Twisted Mother-Son Story
Colfer plays Boyd Grayson, a wealthy and reckless heir who takes pleasure in provoking his legacy-obsessed mother, Jacqueline (Krige). Their already fraught relationship spirals after a sudden accident leaves Boyd without his hands.
Jacqueline steps in with experimental prosthetic technology that allows Boyd to control new hands using his subconscious. What begins as medical innovation soon becomes another form of manipulation, intensifying their psychological battle.
The film leans into themes of control, repression and generational trauma - with Colfer describing Boyd as “privileged and deeply damaged.”
According to the actor, Boyd channels his anger into chaotic music, using it as an outlet for years of emotional abuse, including conversion therapy imposed during his youth.
An Irish Production
The film was shot in Ireland with a predominantly Irish production team. It is produced by Dublin-based company Fantastic Films, known for genre titles including Vivarium and You Are Not My Mother.
Colfer has spoken warmly about the experience of filming in Ireland, saying he “fell in love with the Irish people” during production.
The Restoration at Grayson Manor screens at DIFF on February 28.
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