Willem Dafoe Leads Chilling Thriller The Man in My Basement
A Hulu Original brings Walter Mosley’s acclaimed novel to the screen with Willem Dafoe and Corey Hawkins in a tense psychological thriller debuting September 26.
Hulu has released the official trailer for The Man in My Basement, a gripping psychological thriller adapted from Walter Mosley’s 2004 novel. Directed by Nadia Latif in her feature debut, the film explores themes of desperation, morality, and racial history through a chilling story that blends realism with gothic horror.
The film follows Charles Blakey, portrayed by Corey Hawkins, who is on the verge of losing his ancestral home in Sag Harbor, New York. Facing foreclosure, Charles accepts a lucrative but unsettling proposal from Anniston Bennett, played by Willem Dafoe, who wants to rent out the basement under mysterious conditions.
As the bizarre arrangement unfolds, Charles is forced to confront his family’s buried past. The film delves into themes of trauma, financial precarity, and power dynamics, reflecting Mosley’s signature blend of social commentary and suspense. Anna Diop also appears in a supporting role, adding further emotional weight to the narrative.
Willem Dafoe once again steps into the shoes of a magnetic yet menacing character. His performance as Bennett continues his legacy of playing figures who blur the line between charm and danger, raising questions about complicity, morality, and survival.
Latif employs gothic horror techniques to heighten the tension, creating an atmosphere where each decision spirals deeper into uncertainty. The result is a story that feels both timeless and urgently relevant, especially given its setting in a historically Black community with layered histories of struggle and resilience.
The screenplay was co-written by Walter Mosley himself, ensuring the adaptation stays true to the novel’s psychological depth while expanding its visual intensity. At 115 minutes, the R-rated feature promises a mix of slow-burn suspense and jarring confrontations, tackling race, identity, and the costs of compromise.
The film premiered earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival, earning attention for its bold storytelling and standout performances. Following an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run starting September 12, The Man in My Basement will be available to stream on Hulu beginning September 26, 2025.
Produced by Protagonist Pictures, Andscape, Good Gate Media, and B.O.B. Filmhouse, the project positions Nadia Latif as a rising voice in cinema and reinforces Hulu’s investment in original, boundary-pushing thrillers.
