Grammy-winning artist Brandy Norwood, renowned for her musical accomplishments and roles in television, is making waves again with her latest performance in the horror-thriller The Front Room. Produced by A24 and now showing in theaters across the U.S., the film dives into a dark narrative that explores psychological turmoil and family dynamics.
The film centers around a couple, Belinda and Norman, whose lives are upended when Norman’s estranged mother moves into their home, igniting a series of unsettling events. Brandy, now 45, takes on a key role in the film, marking her return to the horror genre. “I feel a new kind of freedom in my creative work lately,” Brandy shared in an interview. “There’s something powerful about evoking fear and emotion through a character, and it’s a thrilling space to explore.”
Directed by brothers Max and Sam Eggers, The Front Room is based on a 2016 short story by Susan Hill. Known for their expertise in crafting eerie atmospheres and psychological suspense, the Eggers brothers have drawn on themes of guilt and isolation to build a haunting tale that will leave audiences on edge. Brandy stars alongside Kathryn Hunter and Andrew Burnap in a film that immerses viewers in emotional complexity and dread.
This isn’t Brandy’s first venture into the world of horror. In 1998, she was part of the ensemble cast of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, a film that has since gained cult status in the genre. Reflecting on that experience, Brandy expressed nostalgia. “That was such a fun time for me,” she said. “I’ve heard rumors about a reboot, and I’d love to be part of it. While I don’t enjoy watching horror films, I find so much joy in acting in them. It’s a genre that really lets me explore different aspects of myself.”
Her new role in The Front Room required a deeper emotional investment, pushing her to navigate intense and dark themes. “This project was different,” Brandy explained. “The psychological layers of the story really pull you in. But it’s essential to step away from it at the end of the day, especially when you’re dealing with heavy material like this.”
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Brandy’s career has always been marked by her versatility—whether in her music, television roles like Moesha, or film. With The Front Room, she demonstrates her commitment to taking on challenging roles that push her artistic boundaries. “This film took me to places I hadn’t gone before emotionally, and that’s the kind of challenge I thrive on,” she shared. “I had to tap into some really unfamiliar emotions, but it was worth it.”
The production’s eerie setting, an abandoned house in New Jersey, only added to the film’s unsettling vibe. “Filming in such a creepy location definitely helped us get into the right mindset,” Brandy said. “There was an energy to that place that really amplified the tension we needed for our performances.”
As The Front Room gains attention in U.S. theaters, British audiences can look forward to its UK release in late October, just in time for Halloween. At a taut 94 minutes, the film promises a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience for horror aficionados.
For Brandy, this role signifies yet another step in her ongoing artistic evolution. “I’m at a point in my career where I want to embrace new roles and take risks,” she said. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about stepping outside of my comfort zone, and I’m excited to see where that leads me next.”
The Front Room, directed by Max and Sam Eggers and produced by A24, is currently showing in U.S. cinemas. UK audiences can catch the film in theaters on October 25.
