Trailer: A Nightmare on Elm Street Producer Bob Shaye’s New Film Proves "Ambition" Can Kill

The longtime genre producer and New Line Cinema founder directed this original horror film.

By L.B. Lubomski
August 23 2019, 8:25 PM EDT

Legendary New Line Cinema founder and producer Bob Shaye (A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, The Lord of the Rings trilogy) has taken on the rare role of director for a new suspense thriller titled Ambition. Shaye, who was instrumental in getting the Nightmare movies made, has only directed a handful of films during his career and those that he did (Book of Love, The Last Mimzy) are far removed from the horror genre he is synonymous with.

The film is described as being inspired by thrillers such as Carrie and Black Swan, and deals with a string of mysterious deaths surrounding a musical competition. Check out the official synopsis below.

Jude is an intense, driven musician preparing for the biggest performance of her life. Her ambition could end up killing her. As her competitors begin to die bizarre deaths, she recognizes a pattern that seems to connect her. Is she next? Her suspicions are confirmed in a climax that puts into question her chances for survival, and sanity. Inspired by thrillers such as Carrie and Black Swan, Ambition creates a world where desire and revenge converge into a questionable reality.

Ambition stars Katherine Hughes (My Dead Ex, Kingdom), Giles Matthey (True Blood, Once Upon a Time), Sonoya Mizuno (Maniac, Ex Machina), Dylan McNamara, Kyanna Simone Simpson (Black Lightning, Chambers), John Kroft, and Bryan Batt (Mad Men). There will also be a special appearance by Bob’s sister, scream queen Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise, Helen Keller vs. Nightwolves, A Nightmare on Elm Street).

The feature will release in select theaters and on-demand services beginning September 20th. Stay tuned for more details whenever a home video release is announced.

About the Author

L.B. Lubomski

Lawrence "L.B." Lubomski is an avid horror movie fan, gamer, musician, historian, and aspiring author. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, L.B. was exposed to the works of local filmmaker and godfather of zombie cinema George A. Romero early on. He has since developed a particular fondness for Italian zombie/cannibal and slasher films. This passion for horror extends into other media, from survival horror video games such as Resident Evil to horror-inspired musical artists. In his spare time, L.B. pursues many interests including building his collection of vinyl records, action figures, and vintage video games as well as drumming in various local bands.