A new short film, Soucouyant, is turning heads by showing a darker, more mysterious side of Antigua — beyond its beaches and sunshine. Directed by Michael Garcia, the six-minute film weaves together Caribbean folklore, haunting music, and eerie landscapes to create a chilling Gothic horror experience.

Garcia teamed up with goth-metal band Creepscience and Elite Island Resorts to bring the project to life. Music plays a central role: Creepscience’s song, inspired by Caribbean spirits and the dead rising, guided much of the film’s tone and visuals. The story follows shipwrecked travellers who stumble into the realm of the Soucouyant — a vampiric creature from folklore said to shed its skin and transform into a fiery orb.

For Garcia, one of the big goals was to challenge how people see the Caribbean. Rather than the usual tropical postcard, he uses Antigua’s ruins, graveyards, hidden corners and nightscapes as canvas. He hopes the film will shift perspectives — showing that paradise can also harbor shadows, stories, and surprises.

The film also highlights Antigua’s role as a location for bold storytelling. With support from Elite Island Resorts, it showcases the island’s potential beyond tourism: as a place where culture and creativity can merge with global film production.

Further research and sources:

• https://www.themovieblog.com/2025/10/soucouyant-brings-caribbean-horror-to-life-in-antigua/