Grace Glowicki’s “Dead Lover” – A Triumphantly Weird Horror-Comedy

Grace Glowicki’s genre-bending horror-comedy, “Dead Lover,” has captivated audiences and critics alike with its unique blend of dark humor, theatricality, and DIY aesthetic. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section, the film has been lauded for its originality and collaborative spirit, securing North American distribution through Cartuna x Dweck [1].

A Story of Love, Loss, and Reanimation

“Dead Lover” follows Grave Digger, played by Glowicki, a lonely gravedigger whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the Lover of her dreams (Ben Petri). Their idyllic romance is tragically cut short when the Lover drowns at sea, leaving behind only a single finger. Determined to reunite with her beloved, Grave Digger embarks on a darkly comedic quest to reanimate him, employing a “homespun Dr. Frankenstein setup” [1].

Collaborative Creation and DIY Aesthetic

The film is a testament to collaborative filmmaking, with contributions from cast and crew extending beyond traditional roles. Leah Doz co-wrote a final scene, while special effects makeup artist Michael Harmon penned a duel for the character of the Widower (Lowen Morrow), who also served as a “movement director” [1]. A memorable scene featuring the Lover dancing in a nightgown was added at the insistence of costume designer Courtney Mitchell, who felt the garment deserved more screen time.

Glowicki describes the film’s aesthetic as rooted in “experimental DIY theater,” citing influences ranging from screwball comedy and Mel Brooks to Monty Python and hagsploitation films [1]. The sets themselves evoke a charmingly low-budget, high school drama production feel.

Critical Reception and Sundance Recognition

Senior programmer Heidi Zwicker praised “Dead Lover” as “triumphantly weird” and “wonderfully dark,” highlighting its ability to find “absurd joy” within its darkness [1]. The film’s premiere at the Sundance Film Festival was met with enthusiasm, with Glowicki expressing her gratitude for the festival’s support.

About Grace Glowicki

Grace Glowicki is a Canadian actress and filmmaker from Edmonton, Alberta. She previously directed and starred in the feature film “Tito” (2019), which received a nomination for the John Dunning Best First Feature Award at the Canadian Screen Awards [4]. She also earned a special jury award for best actress in a short film at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival for “Her Friend Adam” [4]. Glowicki is an alumna of McGill University and has appeared in numerous films and web series, including “Carmilla” and “Out with Dad” [4].