“If it’s not revenge, what would you want?“ Anna Gunn is asked in a new trailer for Alison Star Locke’s first feature, “The Apology.” Penned by Locke, the horror pic stars the Emmy-winning “Breaking Bad” alumna as Darlene, a mother dealing with the aftermath of her daughter’s mysterious disappearance 20 years ago. “I could never feel whole again,” the grieving mother explains.
“The Apology” sees Darlene, a recovering alcoholic, struggling to move on from the tragedy as she prepares for a Christmas family gathering with the help of her friend Gretchen (Janeane Garofalo, “Wet Hot American Summer”). In response to a news report about the still-unsolved case, Gretchen asks, “Why do they call it an anniversary like it’s something to celebrate?”
On Christmas Eve, Darlene’s estranged ex-brother-in-law Jack (Linus Roache) makes an unbidden visit “bearing nostalgic gifts and a heavy secret. Soon, Darlene finds herself caught between reason and ruthless instinct. Trapped together by a dangerous storm, a battle of wits escalates to a violent game of revenge,” per the film’s synopsis.
Gunn was last seen in Season 2 of Annie Weisman’s Apple TV+ “Physical,” a dark comedy starring Rose Byrne as a struggling housewife who finds empowerment by way of aerobics. In 2013 and 2014, Gunn took home Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Skyler White in acclaimed crime drama “Breaking Bad.”
Not her first foray into the horror genre, “The Apology” follows Locke’s short film “Shhhhhhh…” which tells the story of a new mother and her baby who are visited by a sinister presence.
“The Apology” will hit theaters and be available on AMC+ December 16.