Noomi Rapace and Millicent Simmonds Lead Vasilisa Kuzmina’s Dystopian Horror No Man’s Land — AFM Launch Announced

Noomi Rapace and Millicent Simmonds join forces in Vasilisa Kuzmina’s dystopian horror No Man’s Land, inspired by the Angel Makers of Nagyrév.

(Source: Deadline)

Two powerhouse performers — Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lamb) and Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place, Wonderstruck) — are set to star in filmmaker Vasilisa Kuzmina’s upcoming near-future horror thriller No Man’s Land, with Goodfellas launching global sales next week at the American Film Market (AFM), per Deadline.

Described as “The Handmaid’s Tale meets Midsommar,” No Man’s Land is a dystopian psychological horror steeped in ritual, paranoia, and moral decay. The story follows Magda (Rapace), the enigmatic leader of an all-female commune built in the aftermath of a devastating civil war. When her long-lost son returns from the frontlines, his presence shatters the fragile harmony of this world without men — and exposes the brutal truths buried beneath its surface.

Simmonds, celebrated as a deaf representation trailblazer, will portray Elle, a devoted disciple of Magda whose loyalty is tested as the community’s sense of control begins to unravel. As tensions rise and violence spreads, No Man’s Land transforms into a gripping portrait of power, trauma, and survival.

According to Deadline, the project draws inspiration from the chilling real-life story of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév — a group of Hungarian women in the early 1900s who poisoned their abusive husbands to reclaim their lives, killing between 50 and several hundred men. Kuzmina’s adaptation reimagines this history through a modern feminist horror lens, confronting cycles of violence and the cost of liberation.

Produced by Juliana Lubin and Frank Ariza of AF Films, with Rapace also serving as executive producer, the film is set to shoot in Spain in April 2026. AF Films, known for its collaborations with Capstone Studios, Disney, and Amazon, continues its mission of spotlighting bold European genre storytelling.

“Producing No Man’s Land has been one of the most ambitious and creatively fulfilling experiences of my career,” said Ariza via Deadline. “Shooting in Spain allows us to bring authenticity and atmosphere to Vasilisa’s powerful vision — a film that pushes boundaries, unites remarkable talent, and reflects the kind of daring, world-class filmmaking we’re proud to champion.”

Kuzmina — of Russian-Iranian descent — previously made waves at SXSW 2022 with her debut feature Nika, earning Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Performance. With No Man’s Land, she’s poised to deliver a provocative, emotionally charged thriller that could stand alongside the most unsettling feminist horrors of the decade.