Rita: Streaming Release date, Trailer, cast, plot, & Everything we know so far About the dark Fantasy Horror film

Shudder is gearing up to release Rita, the latest feature from acclaimed Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante, who previously earned Golden Globe recognition for La Llorona (2019). The film made waves at its world premiere during the 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival, where it won Best Cinematography. 

Set to shine a light on one of Guatemala's most tragic historical events, Rita continues Bustamante’s tradition of blending genre storytelling with hard-hitting social commentary.

Curious to know more? We’ve gathered everything about the premiere date, cast, plot, trailer, filming, and recent updates. Stay tuned for continuous updates!

Release date & Where to Watch

The horror film Rita (2024) will be available for streaming on Shudder starting Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. 

It premiered globally at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival on July 25, 2024, followed by screenings at the 25th Calgary International Film Festival on Sept. 25, 2024, and the 43rd Vancouver International Film Festival on Oct. 5, 2024. The film was first released commercially in Guatemalan theaters on Aug. 8, 2024.

Plot

Set against the backdrop of a magical realist world, Rita tells the powerful story of a 13-year-old girl fleeing an abusive home only to find herself trapped in a brutal, state-run orphanage. There, the girls cling to a prophecy of an angel who will save them, inspiring Rita and her peers to plot an audacious escape to expose the institution’s horrors. 

Based on the 2017 Guatemalan orphanage tragedy, this dark fantasy highlights the resilience and the fight for justice that ignited nationwide reform efforts.

Cast

• Giuliana Santa Cruz as Rita
• Ángela Joana Quevedo as Sulmi
• Alejandra Vásquez Carrillo as Bebé
• Glendy Asturias Rucal as Gladys
• André Sebastián Aldana as La Terca
• Ernesto Molina Samperio as William
• María Telón as Celia
• Sabrina De La Hoz as Monitora
• Margarita Kenéfic as Ernestina
• Juan Pablo Olyslager as Police Chief
• Guie Cuyun as Police officer

Is There a Trailer for Rita (2024) film?

The trailer highlights a tense and eerie atmosphere, showcasing Rita’s pivotal role amid the chaos and the mysterious powers that hint at a larger, supernatural conflict.

Filming

Filming took place in Guatemala during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning three months.

Behind the Scenes

The 2024 dark fantasy horror film Rita, written and directed by Jayro Bustamante, marks the first feature co-production between Guatemala and the United States. Known for exploring sociopolitical themes through genre films, Bustamante conducted a national casting search for young actors. 

Partnering with Shudder, Bustamante praised the platform's dedication to impactful storytelling. In an interview with Deadline, he said, “Working with Shudder from the beginning felt like the right connection, as I found a distributor that shares the belief that cinema is more than just entertainment or a commercial product.”

Shudder's SVP Emily Gotto lauded the film’s reflection of Guatemala's talent and history. Produced by Bustamante, Jonathan King, and Gustavo Matheu, the film exemplifies the use of horror as a vehicle for powerful narratives.