Land of Shadows (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Land of Shadows follows celebrated author Alice Chevalier after a devastating event leaves her searching for meaning. Her encounter with the enigmatic Thomas leads to an experience beyond ordinary reality, opening a mysterious path shaped by questions of destiny, identity and renewal.

Land of Shadows is a 2026 mystery, fantasy and drama film centered on Alice Chevalier, a renowned author struggling to rebuild her life after a tragedy. Her search for meaning takes an unexpected turn when she meets Thomas, a mysterious figure with an extraordinary proposition.

Written and directed by Jonathan Dailler, the film combines a personal crisis with a reality-bending premise. Its supplied keywords point toward spiritual imagery, symbolism, dreamlike ideas and the possibility of parallel worlds, while the story remains focused on Alice’s attempt to find a way forward.

Land of Shadows movie details

Story without spoilers

Alice Chevalier’s life has been fundamentally changed by a tragic event. Unable to find purpose in its aftermath, she searches for answers and looks for some indication that destiny may still have a role to play in her future.

That search brings her into contact with Thomas, whose offer introduces an experience that challenges the limits of reality. Alice accepts the possibility of a new path, beginning a mystical journey described in terms of an astronaut traveling into unknown territory. The film’s premise leaves her caught between emotional recovery and questions about what is real, imagined or spiritually possible.

What to expect

The film is presented as a mystery-fantasy drama rather than a straightforward realist story. Viewers can expect a premise involving grief, philosophical questions, spiritual or supernatural imagery and a reality that may not operate by familiar rules. The keywords associated with the film also suggest a meditative, dreamlike atmosphere, symbolism, visions and possible connections to angels, spirits and parallel universes.

The story’s central focus is Alice’s search for meaning and renewal. Thomas serves as the figure who opens the door to the film’s unusual experience, while the character names in the cast list—including Mr Nightmare, The Nameless One and The Lost Boy—reinforce its enigmatic, fantastical setting. The available information does not reveal how Alice’s journey develops or resolves.

Cast and creative team

Sandy Lakdar leads the cast as Alice Chevalier, with Ryan Wardman playing Thomas Shade. Willy Kazza appears as Mr Nightmare, Thelma Roy as Gabrielle and Anna Bozovic as Abby. The cast also includes Nicolas Ciron as The Nameless One, Mathieu Cesar as Ulysse, Kyllian Deninotti as The Lost Boy, Mélanie Laurent as the voice of Sarah Dujour and Capucine Pipaud as a paramedic.

Jonathan Dailler is credited as both director and writer, making him the film’s principal credited creative voice.

• Sandy Lakdar as Alice Chevalier
• Ryan Wardman as Thomas Shade
• Willy Kazza as Mr Nightmare
• Thelma Roy as Gabrielle
• Anna Bozovic as Abby
• Nicolas Ciron as The Nameless One
• Mathieu Cesar as Ulysse
• Kyllian Deninotti as The Lost Boy
• Mélanie Laurent as Sarah Dujour (Voice)
• Capucine Pipaud as Paramedic

Release and production context

Land of Shadows is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of October 6, 2026. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes and is listed as Released. The film comes from France and includes both English and French spoken languages. Gate 23 Productions is credited as the production company.

Production companies: Gate 23 Productions

Reported production figures:
Budget $35,000

Land of Shadows official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

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Land of Shadows sets a deeply personal recovery story against a mysterious, reality-defying premise. With Alice Chevalier at its center, the film appears designed around questions of destiny, spiritual possibility and the fragile boundary between inner experience and the unknown. Its concise runtime and blend of mystery, fantasy and drama give the story a focused framework for that exploration.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb