Murder Leaps Off the Page in Horror Comedy I Know Exactly How You Die at Dances With Films NYC

A horror novelist’s worst nightmare comes true when his story starts killing in I Know Exactly How You Die.

Dances With Films NYC: Murder Leaps Off the Page in Horror Comedy I Know Exactly How You Die

As we continue digging into the newly announced lineup for Dances With Films NYC, one title immediately jumped out for genre fans—and for good reason. The horror-comedy I Know Exactly How You Die looks poised to be one of the festival’s most entertaining late-night crowd-pleasers, blending meta horror, slasher energy, and sharp indie wit.

Directed by Alexandra Spieth and written by and starring Rushabh Patel, I Know Exactly How You Die turns writer’s block into a full-blown bloodbath. The film follows Rian Burman, a struggling horror novelist who retreats to a remote motel hoping to finally finish his book. Instead, he discovers something far worse than creative paralysis: the story he’s writing may be coming to life—one kill at a time.

As Rian writes about a woman named Katie, a drug counselor fleeing a violent stalker, reality begins to mirror fiction in terrifying ways. The real Katie is staying at the same motel, hiding from a deranged ex-mailman turned serial killer. When Rian and Katie cross paths, it becomes clear that his manuscript isn’t just predictive—it’s participatory. With murders escalating and the line between author and executioner dissolving, Rian must figure out how to end his story before it ends them both.

From the teaser alone, I Know Exactly How You Die feels like a smart, self-aware riff on genre tropes—equal parts slasher satire and existential horror. It’s the kind of indie genre film that thrives in a midnight slot: playful, tense, and clearly written by filmmakers who love horror but aren’t afraid to poke at it.

The film will World Premiere at Dances With Films NYC and screen:

Festival & Screening Details

Regal Union Square

January 17, 2026 – 9:15 PM

With its sharp premise, festival-ready tone, and genre-savvy humor, I Know Exactly How You Die is absolutely one to keep on your radar as DWF NYC kicks off the new year. We’ll have more coverage as the festival approaches, along with deeper looks at other genre standouts from the lineup.

For now, check out the teaser on the site—and consider this your warning: sometimes the scariest thing a writer can do… is finish the story.