Alexandra Shipp is stepping into the horror spotlight as the lead of the upcoming psychological thriller The Autopsy of Albert Kemper. The actress, whose recent work spans projects like Barbie and Anyone But You, is taking on one of her darkest and most intense roles to date in the chilling new feature.
In the film, Shipp stars as Riley Shaw, a young morgue assistant assigned to work an overnight shift that quickly turns terrifying. Her routine job is upended when the body of an infamous serial killer, Albert Kemper, is delivered for autopsy — and unsettling events soon suggest that the nightmare may not be over with the man’s death. Blending psychological tension with supernatural dread, the story plays on the deeply unsettling idea that some evils refuse to remain buried.
The project is written and directed by David Benullo, who aims to craft a slow-burning horror experience steeped in atmosphere and paranoia. Adding another layer of genre credibility, David Howard Thornton — widely known for his turn as Art the Clown in the Terrifier franchise — is set to portray the menacing Albert Kemper. Veteran actor Eric Stoltz also joins the cast in a role that has yet to be revealed.
The Autopsy of Albert Kemper draws loose inspiration from real-world urban legends surrounding the deaths of notorious criminals, rumors that bodies were sometimes restrained out of fear they might “rise again.” The film adapts this eerie folklore into a fictional narrative designed to explore fear, isolation, and the psychological toll of confronting the worst sides of humanity.
Production is currently underway in Minnesota, with momentum building behind the project as horror fans keep a close eye on its development. For Shipp, the role marks a clear evolution — moving further into mature, genre-driven storytelling that relies heavily on emotional depth and sustained tension. Known for her ability to balance vulnerability with strength, she appears well-positioned to lead what could become one of the more talked-about independent horror entries of the coming year.
As anticipation grows, The Autopsy of Albert Kemper stands poised to deliver a haunting tale that leans into both psychological terror and classic horror suspense, giving Shipp a new platform to showcase a darker, more dramatic side of her talent.
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