The fine folks at Black Mandala are kicking off the new year with the trailer, poster, and images for Lily’s Ritual (El ritual de Lily; Spain, 2025) , a throwback Spanish supernatural horror from director Manu Herrera that features impressive practical makeup and gore effects. Following is the official press announcement.
A chilling folk horror tale of witchcraft, betrayal, and an ancient evil
Black Mandala is proud to present LILY’S RITUAL, a haunting folk horror film directed by Manu Herrera, set against the dark mysticism of late-1990s Spain.
1999. Four friends retreat to a secluded cabin deep in the woods. What begins as a spiritual initiation spirals into a nightmare of witchcraft, sacrifice, and betrayal. A demon as old as the world is summoned—and blood will be spilled.
Set during the autumn equinox in Madrid at the end of the 20th century, LILY’S RITUAL follows Lily, a pale and withdrawn young woman who travels with her friends to a remote forest cabin to be initiated into witchcraft. As preparations unfold and night falls, the ritual begins. But when Lily collapses mid-ceremony, she awakens bound, injured, and alone—unaware that the true purpose of the gathering is far more sinister. Lily herself has been chosen as the sacrifice. Nothing, however, goes as planned.
A demonic laugh echoes through the forest. Alliances fracture. Lies are exposed. The ritual turns violently against its creators, unleashing a force that cannot be controlled.
A powerful evil has awakened.
A demon as old as the world.
Blending atmospheric dread, pagan mythology, and psychological horror, LILY’S RITUAL explores themes of blind devotion, hidden motives, and the terrifying cost of belief. With its slow-burn tension and striking visuals, the film will appeal to fans of elevated folk horror such as The Witch, Midsommar, and Kill List.
With next-level practical effects, LILY’S RITUAL is set to become one of the must-see highlights for horror fans in 2026. Is a dark, unsettling descent into ancient evil—where harmony is an illusion, friendship is a lie, and some doors should never be opened.
BEST ENSEMBLE CAST
Grimmfest
SPECIAL MENTION SFX
Grimmfest
RUE MORGUE AWARD FOR BEST PRACTICAL FX
Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival
BEST FEATURE
Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival
BEST KILL
Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival
Director: Manu Herrera
Script: Javier Fernández Moratalla, Manu Herrera
Cast: Maggie García, Patricia Peñalver, Elena Gallardo, Eve Ryan, Mike Fajardo, Antea Rodríguez
Cinematographer: Felipe Alba, Manu Herrera
Music: Joan Martorell
Producers: Michael Kraetzer, Nicolás Onetti, Jorge Redondo
