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Following the acclaimed "Disclaimer," Alfonso Cuarón is working with Apple TV again – this time on a psychological horror thriller about a cult. Caitríona Balfe, known from "Outlander," stars in the film.
Apple is further expanding its series offerings in the direction of darker themes. The company has ordered "Ascension," a psychological horror thriller based on a novel by British author Adam Nevill. This continues a pattern that has emerged several times this year: Apple secures literary source material and casts prominent actors, as was recently the case with... Film adaptation of Lars Kepler's bestseller. The [organization] will announce a start date. Announcement from Apple TV not yet.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Apple TV has ordered the series „Ascension”, a psychological horror thriller lasting several hours.
- Alfonso Cuarón is involved as executive producer and co-writer, Caitríona Balfe plays the lead role and is also a producer.
- The novel "Last Days" by Adam Nevill, published in German as "Der letzte Tag" (The Last Day), serves as the basis.
- The series plot differs noticeably from the book – the main character, cult name and initial situation have been changed.
- A start date has not yet been set.
What the series is about
The story centers on Rose, a documentary filmmaker and recently divorced mother who confidently uncovers other people's truths but struggles to come to terms with her own. When she embarks on a project about a mysterious 20th-century cult, the so-called Church of Ascension, she initially finds unexpected solace in its teachings—until she discovers something far more menacing beneath the surface.
Apple describes the story as an exploration of evil and innocence, and the question of how far people will go and what they will sacrifice to protect those close to them – even when the greatest danger comes from themselves.
The original version is available in German – with a different plot
Apple cites Adam Nevill's novel "Last Days," published in 2012 and winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel, as inspiration. The German title is "Der letzte Tag" (The Last Day). Nevill is considered one of the most influential contemporary horror authors in the UK; his novel "The Ritual" has already been adapted into a film.
Anyone familiar with the original series won't recognize it. Apple explicitly states it was inspired, and the key aspects mentioned differ significantly.
| Element | Novel „Last Days” | series „Ascension” |
|---|---|---|
| Main character | Kyle Freeman, independent filmmaker in financial trouble | Rose, documentary filmmaker and divorced mother |
| Cult | Temple of the Last Days | Church of Ascension |
| Starting point | Commissioned work about a 1975 massacre | A self-initiated project about a 20th-century cult. |
| Narrative style | Found-footage bonds, a journey through England, France and Arizona | Not yet described in detail |
Changing the main character to a woman with a child shifts the core of the story: from a filmmaker investigating a historical crime to a mother whose family is at the center of the threat.
Who is behind the production
Cuarón is writing the film together with Carlos Cuarón, as well as Natalie Erika James and Christian White, who also serve as showrunners. James is also directing as chief director. Both previously directed "Relic" and "Apartment 7A.".
The series is being produced by Apple Studios in collaboration with Anonymous Content and Cuarón's company Esperanto Filmoj – Cuarón is working under an overall deal with Apple. Anonymous Content is not new to Apple: the same studio is producing the film adaptation of Neuromancer, which already has a release date set.
This is Balfe's second collaboration with Apple. She previously appeared in the Apple original film "Tenzing".
What the winning bid reveals about Apple's stock price
Horror has been a niche genre on Apple TV so far. The service has defined itself through prestigious dramas, comedies, and science fiction, not through genre films with shock value. The fact that an Oscar winner is involved in this move makes the order more interesting than a typical series announcement: Apple is clearly looking to expand into the genre without abandoning the standards that made the service successful.
For you as a subscriber, this remains an announcement without a date for now. Practically speaking, this means you won't see anything until 2027 at the earliest, as Apple typically takes one and a half to two years between series subscription and premiere. The service continues to cost €9.99 per month in Germany, while Apple mentions the US price of $12.99 in the announcement.
What's next for Apple's series plan?
Until "Ascension" is released, other titles will fill the calendar. We'll be compiling a list of what's starting in the coming months in the... Overview of Apple TV's fall programming. Apple's future management team has recently explicitly reaffirmed its commitment to not slowing down the expansion of the service. Ternus reaffirmed its commitment to the chosen course in July.. (Image: Apple)
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