
LMN’s chilling new original movie Secrets in the Foundation delivers spine-tingling suspense when a young couple discovers their dream home’s renovation unearths terrifying secrets from the past. This atmospheric thriller follows Elana (Kristi Murdock) and Jim (Mark Speno) as they uncover disturbing truths hidden beneath their farmhouse’s floorboards – truths someone will kill to keep buried. With its perfect blend of psychological horror and small-town gothic mystery, the film continues LMN’s tradition of delivering edge-of-your-seat suspense with shocking twists.
The ensemble cast brings depth to this haunting tale, from Julia Terranova’s enigmatic portrayal of the property’s previous owner to Bradford Haynes’ authoritative turn as the skeptical local sheriff. Production designer Mia Vanderbuilt created an authentically creepy farmhouse set complete with working secret passages, allowing the actors to genuinely react to their eerie surroundings during filming. Early screenings have praised the film’s slow-burn tension that erupts into a heart-pounding third act.
Secrets in the Foundation: Featured Cast
1. Kristi Murdock as Elana
Kristi Murdock (Fatal Fandom, Deadly Influencer) delivers a powerhouse performance as Elana, the determined homeowner whose renovation project becomes a nightmare. Murdock brings relatable everywoman energy to the role while gradually revealing Elana’s surprising resilience when faced with the house’s dark history.
The actress performed many of her own stunts during the intense finale, including a harrowing crawl through the house’s claustrophobic foundation tunnels. Her transformation from optimistic new homeowner to desperate survivor anchors the film’s emotional core.
2. Julia Terranova as Sadie
Julia Terranova (The Haunting of Margam Castle, Midnight at the Magnolia) captivates as Sadie, the mysterious former resident who knows the house’s deadly secrets. Terranova’s haunting performance walks the line between sympathetic victim and potential threat, keeping viewers guessing about her true nature.
Her monologue about the house’s “hunger” – delivered by flickering lantern light in the basement – has already been singled out as one of LMN’s most chilling scenes in recent memory.
3. Mark Speno as Jim
Mark Speno (Deadly Yoga Retreat, Stalked by My Husband) portrays Jim, Elana’s initially skeptical husband whose rational explanations for the strange occurrences gradually unravel. Speno excels at showing Jim’s transition from dismissive to terrified, with his breaking point in Episode 3 leaving audiences breathless.
The actor’s background in stage horror (The Woman in Black) served him well for the film’s practical effect sequences, particularly a shocking moment involving the couple’s unearthed wedding china.
4. Bradford Haynes as Sheriff Danforth
Bradford Haynes (Sleeping with Danger, The Wrong Fiancé) brings gravitas to Sheriff Danforth, the no-nonsense lawman who may be hiding secrets of his own. Haynes’ performance subtly hints at the sheriff’s personal connection to the house’s history through carefully placed glances and loaded pauses.
His interrogation scene with Terranova crackles with unspoken tension, suggesting a backstory that only fully reveals itself in the film’s climactic minutes.
5. Sharl Delon Hill as Louise
Sharl Delon Hill (The Sinister Surrogate, Deadly Playdate) steals scenes as Louise, the eccentric local historian who provides crucial clues about the property’s past. Hill’s offbeat line deliveries and unsettling knowledge about the town’s dark history make Louise equal parts helpful and suspicious.
The character’s monologue about the area’s “forgotten children” reportedly caused production to halt for the day as crew members needed emotional recovery time.
6. Christie Leverette as Lila
Christie Leverette (My Daughter’s Psycho Friend, The Wrong Real Estate Agent) delivers a heartbreaking performance as Lila, a grieving mother searching for answers about her missing daughter. Leverette’s raw emotional scenes – particularly one where she confronts Murdock in the rain – elevate the film beyond typical thriller fare.
Her character’s connection to the house’s foundation provides one of the story’s most gut-wrenching revelations.
7. Ken Lyle as Nathaniel Crane
Ken Lyle (The Haunted Heartthrob, Deadly Vows) chills as Nathaniel Crane, the reclusive former property owner whose journals contain disturbing secrets. Lyle’s gaunt physicality and whispery voice create an instantly iconic horror presence, even in limited screen time.
The actor reportedly stayed in character between takes, wandering the set muttering 19th century farming almanac passages to maintain his unsettling energy.
Supporting Cast
- Dean Atkinson brings dark humor as the skeptical Exterminator whose discovery triggers the horror.
- K.J. Baker unsettles as the cryptic Shopkeeper who seems to know too much.
- Collier Randall charms as Dylan, the helpful neighbor with questionable motives.
- Madison Reitz delivers a breakout performance as Brittany, Elana’s ill-fated sister.