Tricia Helfer is embracing a bold, artistic pivot, diving deep into complex female sexuality and psychological horror with a director who isn't afraid to push boundaries.
Insiders whisper that Helfer is hungry for roles that defy her 'supermodel' typecasting, and this transgressive, self-destructive narrative is the perfect vehicle to shock the industry.
Helfer plays Luisa, a former figure skater fixated on her daughter's friend (Georgia Bradner). Director Erica Orofino wrote the script, with Blue Finch Films handling worldwide sales excluding Canada.
Tricia Helfer isn't just acting; she's dismantling her own image, one terrifying obsession at a time.
Tricia Helfer is officially trading her Battlestar Galactica flight suit for something far more visceral and disturbing. The former supermodel turned sci-fi icon has locked in the lead role for Devour, an erotic body horror film directed by Erica Orofino. This isn't just another genre project; it’s a calculated move into the darker, more transgressive corners of cinema where Helfer has historically been hesitant to tread.
The premise is as twisted as it sounds: Helfer stars as Luisa, a former professional figure skater whose life spirals into a self-destructive nightmare after she becomes dangerously fixated on Karla, played by Georgia Bradner. Karla is Luisa’s daughter’s friend, and what starts as a forbidden attraction quickly metastasizes into an obsession that unravels Luisa’s psyche in increasingly terrifying ways. The casting choices signal a clear intent to ground this high-concept horror in recognizable talent.
Georgia Bradner, known for her roles in Ghosts and Resident Alien, plays the object of Luisa’s obsession, while Elizabeth Adams steps in as Luisa’s daughter, Elia. The dynamic creates a volatile triangle that director Erica Orofino describes as exploring "self-identity, female sexuality and desires that exist outside our dominant norms or moral codes." Orofino, who also wrote the screenplay, was vocal about her admiration for Helfer’s willingness to dive into the darkness.
"Tricia was a dream to direct. She will grip your heartstrings and your guts and not let go," Orofino stated, emphasizing that she curated this specific cast to deliver a psychological punch that lingers long after the credits roll. For Helfer, this role marks a significant departure from her recent work, which has included the dramatic feature Hello Beautiful and the USA Network series Anna Pigeon.
In a statement regarding her involvement in Devour, Helfer highlighted the psychological depth of the script as the primary motivator. "I loved how dark and psychological the story was. Erica wasn't afraid to go there, and that's what made me want to be part of it," she said.
This quote reveals an actress eager to shed the polished, controlled persona she’s often associated with, opting instead for a character defined by compulsion and loss of control. The producers, Wildling Pictures, are banking on this raw, unfiltered performance to drive the film’s market appeal. The business side of Devour is already moving into high gear, with Blue Finch Films securing worldwide sales rights, excluding Canada.
The production team includes Matt Code, Alison Almeida, and Lucy McNulty as producers, alongside a robust executive producer list featuring Todd Brown and Emily O’Quinn Code. Wildling Pictures has been building momentum with recent genre entries like the thriller Phreaker, which debuted at Fantastic Fest, and the romantic comedy Young Werther. By attaching Helfer to a project that blends eroticism with body horror, the studio is clearly targeting the niche but lucrative audience that craves high-stakes psychological drama. Helfer’s involvement elevates the project’s prestige, suggesting that Devour aims to be more than just a shock-value flick—it’s a character study wrapped in skin and sinew.
