Brandy Norwood stars in new horror movie ‘The Front Room’

Brandy, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, is once again stepping into the world of horror with her role in The Front Room, a psychological thriller produced by A24. The film, now showing in U.S. theaters, follows Belinda and Norman, a couple whose lives spiral out of control when Norman’s estranged mother unexpectedly moves in.

Best known for her music career and iconic 1990s TV series Moesha, Brandy has embraced a wide range of roles over the years. Now, at 45, she’s exploring darker material with this latest project. “I’ve been feeling a sense of freedom in my recent creative work,” she said in a recent interview. “It’s exciting to be part of a genre where you can make people feel something as visceral as fear, and I love breathing life into these kinds of characters.”

The Front Room is directed by the filmmaking duo Max and Sam Eggers and is based on Susan Hill’s 2016 short story. Known for their eerie visuals and tension-building storytelling, the Eggers brothers have crafted a chilling narrative about family dynamics, trauma, and psychological unraveling. Brandy stars alongside Kathryn Hunter and Andrew Burnap in the film, which focuses on themes of isolation and guilt.

Return to Horror
Brandy is no stranger to the horror genre. In 1998, she starred in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, a cult classic that cemented her place in the genre’s history. She looks back on that experience with fondness. “Back then, it was so much fun. I loved doing I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” she said. “I hear there’s a new one in the works, and I would love to be part of it. I don’t necessarily enjoy watching horror films, but I do love being in them. It’s the genre I get the most joy out of performing in.”

Her latest role in The Front Room allowed Brandy to explore a more complex and emotionally charged character. “This film takes you to some very dark places, and there’s a lot of tension to unpack. It’s important to step away from that on set and decompress because you’re dealing with heavy material,” she explained. “For me, it’s about compartmentalizing and making sure I leave that darkness behind once the day is done.”

Challenging Material
Throughout her career, Brandy has shown a willingness to push herself creatively, whether in music, television, or film. In The Front Room, she tackles intense themes and scenes that required her to tap into unfamiliar emotional depths. “This role was definitely a challenge, but it’s the kind of challenge I love,” she said. “I went to some dark places, but I came out okay in the end.”

Filming took place in a notorious abandoned house in New Jersey, adding an extra layer of unease to the production. “The location was perfect for the atmosphere we were trying to create,” Brandy said. “It was eerie, and that definitely helped us get into the right mindset for the story.”

Upcoming Release
As The Front Room continues to captivate audiences in the U.S., fans in the UK won’t have long to wait. The film is set to be released in UK theaters, just in time for Halloween. Clocking in at 94 minutes, the film promises to deliver a tense, gripping experience for horror enthusiasts and casual moviegoers alike.

Brandy’s return to the big screen, especially in a genre she clearly enjoys, adds another layer to her multifaceted career. As she continues to evolve as an artist, fans can expect more boundary-pushing performances in the future.

For now, Brandy remains focused on savoring the moment. “I’ve really embraced this period of my career,” she said. “There’s something liberating about stepping into new roles and trying new things, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”

The Front Room is produced by A24 and directed by Max and Sam Eggers. It is now available in U.S. cinemas and will release in the UK on October, 25.