You’ve probably seen the poster—a haunting, neon-soaked image that promises a specific kind of indie horror tension. But when you actually sit down to watch Theresa & Allison, the experience is less about jump scares and more about a gritty, visceral descent into a very specific kind of immortal misery. Honestly, it’s a movie that lives or dies by its performances. If the leads didn't have that weird, magnetic friction, the whole thing would just be another low-budget vampire flick lost in the depths of a streaming algorithm.
The film, directed by Jeremiah Kipp and released back in 2019, explores the aftermath of a one-night stand that goes spectacularly wrong for Theresa. She’s basically thrust into a world of "inhuman savagery," as the official blurbs like to put it. But the "inhuman" part is mostly handled by the cast of Theresa & Allison, a group of actors who had to carry a lot of heavy, existential weight on a modest indie budget.
The Raw Talent: Who Really Stars in Theresa & Allison?
Most people jumping into this movie recognize the names from the New York indie circuit or various horror festivals. It isn't a Hollywood blockbuster with A-list cameos. It’s a character study.
Arielle Hope plays Theresa.
She’s the emotional anchor. You’re watching the movie through her eyes, and her transformation from a regular woman into someone—or something—unrecognizable is pretty jarring. Hope plays it with this sort of quiet, shell-shocked vulnerability that feels remarkably real. You've seen her in things like The Moose Head Over the Mantel, but this is arguably her most demanding role in terms of screen time and emotional range.
Then there's Sarah Schoofs.
She plays Allison. If Theresa is the victim-turned-survivor, Allison is the predator-turned-mentor. Schoofs has this incredible ability to look both ancient and youthful at the same time. She’s the "immortal" mentioned in the synopsis, and she brings a cocksure, dangerous energy to the screen. Schoofs is a veteran of the genre, having appeared in Gut and Phobia, and she knows exactly how to play a character that is simultaneously seductive and terrifying.
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The Supporting Players You Might Recognize
While the title focuses on the two leads, the world-building is handled by a surprisingly deep bench of supporting actors. The "inhuman savagery" isn't a solo act.
- Alyson Danielczuk as Miranda: She provides a necessary counterpoint to the central duo, adding a layer of grounded tension to the more supernatural elements.
- Pooya Mohseni: Appearing as "The Mysterious Woman," Mohseni brings a gravitas that helps sell the film's mythology. She’s a familiar face if you follow indie drama, known for her work in Madam Secretary and various award-winning shorts.
- Charles D. Lincoln: Not only did he write and produce the film, but he also steps in front of the camera as Tony. It’s a gritty role that fits the film’s overall "downward spiral" aesthetic perfectly.
- Alexandra Frantsevich: Playing a key role in the underworld Theresa finds herself in, Frantsevich adds to the film’s sense of a hidden, dangerous society operating just out of sight.
The cast is rounded out by names like Amy Jo Jackson, Genoveva Rossi (a literal legend in the indie horror scene with hundreds of credits), and Marisa Román. It’s a "who’s who" of actors who specialize in making small-budget films feel much larger than their bank accounts.
Why the Chemistry Matters More Than the Plot
Look, the plot of Theresa & Allison is a slow burn. It’s about 120 minutes long, which is a lot for an indie horror film. Some critics have argued it’s a bit too long. But the reason it works—and why it has a dedicated cult following—is the "sizzle" between Hope and Schoofs.
Their relationship is primal. It’s feral. It’s also kinda uncomfortable to watch at times. They aren't playing "movie vampires" who sparkle or lounge in velvet capes. They are playing addicts of a sort, people bound by a physical and spiritual need that isolates them from the rest of the world.
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The film relies on the fact that these two characters don't actually spend a ton of time together on screen compared to the total runtime. This choice allows Theresa to become a "fully-realized character" on her own, rather than just being a sidekick to Allison's immortality. It’s a subtle distinction, but it makes the moments they do share feel much more explosive.
Behind the Scenes: The Visionaries
You can’t talk about the cast without mentioning the guy directing them. Jeremiah Kipp is a fixture in the horror community. He’s directed dozens of shorts and features, and he has a very specific, painterly eye for gore and gloom. He’s worked with some of these actors before, which creates a shorthand on set that you can see in the performances.
Charles D. Lincoln, the writer, clearly wrote these roles with a specific type of intensity in mind. He didn't want cardboard cutouts. He wanted people who looked like they’d been through the ringer. The casting reflects that—everybody looks a little tired, a little desperate, and a lot dangerous.
Common Misconceptions About the Cast
Sometimes people get confused because "Theresa" and "Allison" are common names.
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- Is Alison Pill in this? No. While Alison Pill is a fantastic actress (think Scott Pilgrim or Star Trek: Picard), she isn't in this movie. People see the name "Allison" in the title and get their wires crossed.
- Is it a sequel? No. It's a standalone story, though it feels like it belongs to a much larger universe.
- Is it a romance? Sorta. It’s a "dark romance" in the sense that there is an attraction, but it’s mostly a horror-fantasy about the loss of humanity.
How to Follow the Cast Today
Since the film's release in 2019 and its subsequent life on Blu-ray and streaming (it’s been on Amazon Prime and Plex), the cast has stayed busy.
If you want to keep up with them, Sarah Schoofs remains very active in the NYC theater and indie film scene. Arielle Hope continues to take on roles that lean into psychological depth. Keeping an eye on the "Burning Bulb" publishing and film label is usually the best way to see what this specific group of creators is up to next, as they tend to stick together in the tight-knit horror community.
Where to See the Cast in Action Now
If you're looking for more from this specific group, check out these projects:
- Jeremiah Kipp’s Slapface: A more recent horror hit from the same director that carries that same atmospheric dread.
- Genoveva Rossi’s Catalog: Seriously, she has over 200 credits. If you like the "gritty" vibe of Theresa & Allison, she’s probably in ten other movies you’d enjoy.
- Pooya Mohseni’s Advocacy Work: Beyond acting, Mohseni is a powerful voice in the trans community and often speaks at film festivals regarding representation.
For those who want to experience the performances for themselves, the movie is currently available on various VOD platforms. It's a 120-minute commitment, so grab a drink, dim the lights, and prepare for a version of the vampire myth that feels a lot more like a fever dream than a bedtime story.
The best way to support independent horror like this is to watch it on legitimate streaming services or pick up the physical Blu-ray from labels like Burning Bulb. This ensures the actors and creators actually see the returns on their work, allowing them to keep making the weird, uncomfortable, and striking art they’re known for.