Lucien Laviscount, Laura Marano, Cynthia Khalifeh Lead ‘Borderline’

Production is underway on horror-thriller film “Borderline,” shot in the U.K. and Malta.

Lucien Laviscount (“Emily in Paris”), Laura Marano (“The Royal Treatment”) and Middle Eastern star Cynthia Khalifeh (“8 Days”) lead a cast that also includes Jason Flemyng (“A Violent Man”).

Khalifeh will play Zena, a young woman who arrives at the Borderline pub for a date with the handsome Jack, whom she met on an app. Quickly realizing she has been stood up, Zena is persuaded to have a drink with the bumbling but charming local Paul, played by Laviscount. However, Paul’s non-threatening manner and easy conversation skills are merely a façade, and he is in fact a serial killer, who lures his victims inside the lawless walls of the Borderline.

The first instalment of the planned horror franchise is directed by Jane Gull (British Independent Film Awards nominated “My Feral Heart”) and written by Elizabeth Morris (“Above the Below”). The film is produced by Martin Owen (“Above the Below”) alongside producer and actor Evan Ross and Khalifeh. The film will be executive produced by Jeff Rice and Maria Breese of Jeff Rice Films, Jeff Most and Matthew Steadman of Luxur-Level field, Jenny Shakeshaft and Paul Parker Films.

Owen said: “’Borderline’ is set to be a genre defining horror movie with incredible production value and performances. We’re diving deep into the dark side of dating apps with this thriller that will play on everyone’s worst fears when using dating apps in a unique, terrifying and captivating way. We strongly believe this will be the first in a new horror franchise.”

Ross added: “I am delighted that we were able to bring this unique film to the screen. It has a unique tone that we feel will resonate with genre audiences worldwide. At the core of the film is a really great idea that explores the darkest possibilities of modern dating, brought to life by this amazing cast.”

The casting was revealed at the Cannes Film Festival‘s market.