Trailer views for Malfaisante
The trailer for the horror film Malfaisante, directed by Rob Savage, has accumulated 31 million views since its online release. The trailer gained viral attention in part due to its highly effective jumpscare, which features Jessica Chastain in a possessed and contorted state under a table.Film's reception and genre popularity
The film, which had a successful first weekend in the United States, has been criticized by some as a failure, but it has nonetheless confirmed the continued popularity of horror cinema in 2026.Jessica Chastain's role and character description
Jessica Chastain, who has previously appeared in horror films such as Mama and Ça - Chapitre 2, plays the terrifying character of the film: an entity that takes the place of the mother of Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), an 8-year-old girl. The character is described as having a stiff smile, fixed gaze, and dismembered body.Chastain's preparation for the role
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jessica Chastain explained how she achieved the stiff and terrifying expression featured on the film's poster. She said she tried to create strong tension in her body, even attempting to make her neck tendons twitch slightly. She also mentioned that tears were flowing during the process, as she aimed to inject as much pain and tension as possible into her body while appearing warm, kind, and smiling.Physical challenges and special effects
For the various scenes in which the character contorts her body, Jessica Chastain revealed a mix of practical effects and her own physical abilities. She noted that she has been practicing yoga for 20 years and is capable of taking unusual positions. Contortionist stunt performers were also hired to complement her work. Director Rob Savage also used a stand-in, Hayley Spelman, whose height is about two meters, to double for Chastain in certain scenes. Malfaisante is set to be released in cinemas.
