Official Trailer: Penny Lane Is Dead Brings ’80s Ozploitation Horror to Shudder on August 28

A night of celebration turns into a blood-soaked fight for survival in Penny Lane Is Dead.

Official Trailer: Penny Lane Is Dead Brings Ozploitation Carnage to Shudder This August

Shudder has released the official trailer for Penny Lane Is Dead, a bloody coming-of-age horror film that pays tribute to the wild spirit of 1980s Australian genre cinema. Written and directed by Mia-kate Russell in her feature debut, the film premieres August 28 exclusively on Shudder.

Set during a sweltering summer night in 1986 Australia, the story follows Penny Lane as she celebrates her acceptance into college alongside her lifelong friends, Toni and Amy. What begins as a carefree night quickly takes a violent turn after Penny’s jealous and troubled cousin, Kat, orchestrates a cruel prank involving spiked cupcakes. The seemingly harmless joke spirals into a brutal fight for survival as friendships are tested and the night descends into chaos.

Drawing inspiration from the Ozploitation movement, Penny Lane Is Dead blends graphic horror, dark comedy, and emotional drama into a blood-soaked tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. The newly released trailer showcases practical gore effects, frantic chases, and an unmistakable ’80s aesthetic that embraces the grindhouse energy of classic Australian horror.

Early reactions to the film have been largely positive, with praise centered on its energetic direction, practical effects, and throwback approach to the genre. While audiences will have to wait until its streaming debut to judge for themselves, the trailer suggests Penny Lane Is Dead could become a standout addition to Shudder’s growing lineup of original horror releases.

Penny Lane Is Dead premieres August 28, exclusively on Shudder. The official trailer is available to watch now.