Glenn McQuaid's "The Restoration at Grayson Manor" Blends Queer Horror and Dark Humor in Unique Fusion

The Restoration at Grayson Manor: A Queer Fantasia of Horror and Humor At Fantastic Fest 2025, the horror-comedy "The Restoration at Grayson Manor" premiered to a packed audience, showcasing its unique blend of soap operas, body horror, and dark humor. Directed by Glenn McQuaid, the film is a queer fantasia that pays homage to the director's favorite childhood escapism. According to McQuaid, growing up in Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s as a gay man was a challenging experience. He found solace in horror movies and soap operas, which provided an escape from his difficult youth. "I got sucked into Falcon Crest, Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing," McQuaid said in an interview. "It's self-medicating." This nostalgia is woven throughout the film, as McQuaid drew inspiration from these genres to create a unique narrative. The Restoration at Grayson Manor brings together a star-studded cast, including Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, Kristin Chenoweth, Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and F. Murray Abraham. The film's script was co-written by McQuaid, who aimed to create a story that would resonate with his own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. McQuaid has stated that he drew inspiration from conversations with Jordan Peele, who helped shape the film's tone and themes. "A lot of the weirdness comes from our conversations," McQuaid said. This collaboration resulted in a film that is both a love letter to horror and soap operas and a commentary on the struggles faced by marginalized communities. The Restoration at Grayson Manor has been praised for its bold storytelling and unapologetic representation of queer characters. The film's success has sparked conversations about the importance of diverse representation in media and the impact it can have on audiences. As the film continues to make waves in the horror-comedy genre, McQuaid is already working on new projects that explore similar themes. "I'm excited to see where this film takes me," McQuaid said in an interview. "It's a start of something bigger." Background and Context The Restoration at Grayson Manor premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025, a annual festival showcasing the best in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cinema. The film has been praised for its unique blend of genres and its unapologetic representation of queer characters. Additional Perspectives Industry experts have praised McQuaid's bold approach to storytelling, noting that it is a refreshing change from traditional horror-comedies. "The Restoration at Grayson Manor is a game-changer," said one critic. "It's a film that will leave audiences talking long after the credits roll." Current Status and Next Developments The Restoration at Grayson Manor has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising its bold storytelling and unapologetic representation of queer characters. As McQuaid continues to work on new projects, fans can expect more innovative and thought-provoking films from this talented director. Sources Glenn McQuaid, Director and Co-Writer Fantastic Fest 2025 Variety Magazine *Reporting by Variety.*