Confronting Fear on Film: “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” Screening and Discussion

The 2026 Searching the Psyche Through Cinema film series delves into the unsettling world of horror,offering audiences a unique possibility to explore their deepest anxieties. The series continues with a screening of Ana Lily Amirpour’s critically acclaimed 2014 film, A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (NR, 101 minutes), followed by a thought-provoking discussion.

Amirpour’s directorial debut masterfully blends elements of horror, film noir, and western genres, presenting a fresh and unconventional take on vampire mythology. The film is set in Bad City, a desolate Iranian ghost town plagued by societal decay, where a skateboarding vampire, portrayed by Sheila Man, emerges as an enigmatic figure of justice.

The Austin Chronicle praised the film as “a spooky, moody doozy of a debut lensed… in a radiant monochrome that somehow makes even the darkness sparkle.” the striking black-and-white cinematography enhances the film’s atmospheric tension and visual storytelling.

Following the screening, a dynamic discussion will be led by Elise Sanders, a licensed clinical professional counselor, and Sophie Williams, a seasoned film critic. This expert-led conversation will explore the psychological themes within the film and its impact on the audience.

This event is co-sponsored by the Greater Kansas city and Topeka Psychoanalytic Center, further emphasizing the series’ commitment to exploring the intersection of cinema and the human psyche.

Distributed by Kino Lorber.