Stephen King has given high praise to the new horror Western film Killing Faith, highlighting its powerful impact and unsettling narrative. The acclaimed author, known for classic horror novels such as Carrie, Cujo, and It, praised Killing Faith on his official X account, acknowledging its intense atmosphere and storytelling. This film, directed by Ned Crowley, has quickly attracted attention following its recent screenings and release.
Overview of Killing Faith and Its Storyline
Killing Faith is a horror Western set in 1859, focusing on a freed slave determined to find a cure for her daughter’s mysterious condition that causes death wherever she touches. The film is the creative work of writer-director Ned Crowley, who was previously known for the film Middle Man. The story explores a dark, quasi-supernatural world through a harrowing and unique lens, blending historic Western settings with elements of horror.
The cast features notable actors including Guy Pearce, DeWanda Wise, Raoul Max Trujillo, Jack Alcott, and Bill Pullman. DeWanda Wise plays Sarah, the mother on a desperate mission, while Pearce and Pullman take on key roles as Bender and Ross, respectively. Trujillo appears as Shakespeare, contributing to the film’s strong ensemble.
Stephen King’s Response to the Film
Stephen King commented that Killing Faith evokes the tone and style of Cormac McCarthy’s works, such as Blood Meridian and No Country for Old Men, which are known for their brutal and haunting atmospheres. King singled out the opening scene involving a horse and a child as an “authentic shocker,” suggesting the film wastes no time in delivering emotional and visual intensity.
Based on King’s remarks, it is plausible that the movie’s introduction features the protagonist’s daughter inadvertently causing the death of a horse by touch, setting a grim tone for what follows. This powerful beginning could establish Killing Faith as a standout title among horror releases, especially given its thematic depth and atmospheric tension.
Killing Faith’s Release and Market Position
Killing Faith premiered at Beyond Fest on September 26 and was released in theaters on October 3. With the October horror slate typically crowded, Killing Faith is positioned as a compelling option for audiences seeking fresh scares. The film benefits from a relative scarcity of new horror films during this period, with the only other major competitor being Blumhouse’s Black Phone 2, scheduled for release on October 17.
This timing places Killing Faith in a favorable spot to capture the attention of viewers preparing for Halloween, a season when horror fans actively search for memorable and chilling experiences at cinemas.
Connections Between Killing Faith and Stephen King’s Works
King’s endorsement also raises expectations of thematic resonance with his own stories. The relationship between the mother and her daughter with supernatural abilities reflects motifs found in King’s novel Firestarter. Additionally, the blend of Western elements may remind some viewers of King’s Dark Tower series, where genre-mixing creates a unique narrative fabric.
These parallels suggest Killing Faith might appeal to fans of King’s oeuvre by invoking familiar but fresh themes within a distinctly Western backdrop.
“an authentic shocker” Stephen King, Author
“Killing Faith reminded me of McCarthy’s work.” Stephen King, Author
Ultimately, Stephen King’s positive reception adds credibility to Killing Faith’s artistic merits and may increase its visibility among horror enthusiasts and mainstream audiences alike. As the film continues to attract viewers in theaters, its impact on the October horror season and genre blends will become clearer.
KILLING FAITH: A quasi-supernatural Western that has echoes of Cormac McCarthy. The first scene, involving a child and a horse, is an authentic shocker.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 29, 2025
