The Haunting of Helen’s Bridge is an upcoming horror-thriller directed by Stephen Presley, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gemma Esau, and produced by Silent D Pictures in collaboration with Grimm Pictures and Ajo Kacmar. Set against the eerie backdrop of Asheville, North Carolina, the film draws inspiration from the chilling local legend of Helen’s Bridge—an old stone arch across Beaucatcher Mountain long rumored to harbor a restless spirit.
At the heart of the story is Helen, a mother devastated by the loss of her child, who ends her life by hanging herself from the bridge. Her anguished spirit is said to linger, haunting the site and drawing in the living with whispers of grief and dread. The film takes a unique approach by incorporating actual paranormal footage—captured at the real Helen’s Bridge—into its narrative, creating a rare fusion of cinematic storytelling and real-life supernatural tension.
Renowned British actress Michelle Collins, best known for her long-running roles in Coronation Street and Doctor Who, steps into the horror genre for the first time with this production. She portrays the grieving mother whose tragic tale forms the emotional core of the film. Collins has shared that while she initially feared nightmares from working on such a dark project, the experience ultimately proved rewarding and sparked her interest in taking on more horror roles in the future.
Director Stephen Presley has expressed his ambition to blur the boundaries between fact and fiction. His vision is to create a sensory experience in which authenticity underpins every haunting moment, from the chilling visuals to the emotional resonance, making the terror feel grounded in real unease.
Set for release in 2025, The Haunting of Helen’s Bridge aims to stand apart from conventional horror films. With its deep roots in Appalachian folklore and its use of genuine ghostly footage, the film promises a haunting blend of supernatural legend and cinematic craft. Principal photography has already been completed, suggesting that audiences can expect trailers and teasers to emerge in the near future.
In essence, The Haunting of Helen’s Bridge offers an immersive journey into unresolved grief and restless spirits. Anchored by Michelle Collins’s emotive debut in horror, enriched by real paranormal elements, and grounded in the enduring folklore of Asheville, the film invites viewers into a chilling space where tragedy and legend intertwine—and where the boundary between the living and the dead becomes perilously thin.
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