Trailer for the Psychological Cult Thriller BY HIS HAND Unleashes a Chilling Story of Control and Escape

Buffalo 8 has released the trailer for By His Hand, a dark psychological thriller that leans hard into raw emotion, survival, and the complicated aftermath of escaping control. This indie project looks like it’s aiming to hit nerves rather than play it safe.

The film is set against the stark landscape of rural Utah, and the story follows Emma, “a young woman who has spent her entire life trapped within the isolated world of a brutal fundamentalist cult. After a final act of humiliation at the hands of its iron rod–wielding prophet, she makes a desperate decision to flee.

“Sam, a fellow believer bound by guilt and quiet defiance, agrees to help her escape. But as the pair disappears into the desert, the prophet’s fury ignites a relentless pursuit—one that leaves destruction in its wake.

“With time, money, and trust rapidly running out, Emma and Sam are forced deeper into uncertainty. As they push further into unfamiliar territory, the line between safety and danger blurs—while the threat behind them closes in.

What unfolds is not only a pursuit, but a psychological reckoning. By His Hand examines the lingering imprint of control—how belief systems, once internalized, can shape identity long after escape. As Emma fights for autonomy, both she and Sam are forced to confront the uncomfortable reality that leaving is only the beginning.”

The film marks the feature debut of Taylor Paur, who directs and co-writes alongside his brother Ethan Paur, with Conor Paur producing. Yes, I am related to them.

It’s explained that this is a “deeply personal and inspired by the filmmakers’ own upbringing in Utah, By His Hand draws from lived experience without offering easy answers.

“Rather than making sweeping statements about religion or belief, the film centers on human complexity—examining how systems of control shape identity, and how difficult it is to truly break free from them.

“At its core, it is a character-driven journey about survival, self-confrontation, and the fragile hope of finding peace through human connection.”

Shot entirely on location in Utah, the production keeps things close to its roots. It’s a fully independent effort with no studio safety net, driven by a team that clearly has something personal to say.

In front of the camera, the cast includes Ryann Bailey, Chase Ramsey, Steve Luna, and Forrie J. Smith.

What makes By His Hand stand out isn’t just the chase or the tension. It digs into what happens after someone escapes a life built on control. The story doesn’t try to hand out easy answers or make broad statements. Instead, it zooms in on identity, trauma, and the slow, messy process of reclaiming yourself.

If you’re into psychological thrillers that offer a good character study, this one looks worth keeping an eye on. By His Hand hits TVOD in the U.S. starting April 17, landing on platforms like Amazon and Hoopla.