A new milestone in Horror has emerged with David W. Bailey’s Day Of The Cicada, a theatrical thrill ride that had its star-studded premiere audience gripping their seats and gasping aloud.
The narrative centers on Jacob (Bailey), a man who has spent 34 years behind bars for the alleged murder of his parents – a crime he insists he didn’t commit. His defense? The real culprits were mysterious insects that emerge from the ground every seventeen years. With the cicadas’ return imminent, Jacob breaks free from prison, setting off an intense chase led by Emily, a newly assigned investigator. As she closes in on her target, Emily uncovers a terrifying reality: Jacob’s warnings about the cicadas weren’t just desperate fabrications.
While wearing multiple hats as the film’s star, writer, director, and editor, Bailey shares the screen with horror royalty Eileen Dietz, whose legendary status was cemented by her role in The Exorcist. The cast also shines with performances from Lords of Acid’s DieTrich Thrall, acclaimed actors Ron Russell and Mike Ferguson, and a compelling turn by Kelly Lynn Reiter as Emily Thornton, the law enforcement psychiatrist determined to understand the truth behind Jacob’s case.
The exclusive screening drew an impressive roster of industry figures, including esteemed filmmaker Joseph Kelly, supermodel Tyler Sebago, publicist to the stars Jimmy Star, multi-platinum producer/songwriter Zachary Jaydon, filmmaker Cash Cassidy, Smile’s Kevin Keppe, and Survivor star Daniel Rengering. The audience was rounded out by media personalities and streaming platform executives, all eyeing the film for potential distribution.
The screening was punctuated by enthusiastic applause and concluded with the entire audience on their feet. Reflecting on the experience, Sebago remarked, “It was crazy, campy, and fun,” adding, “I could definitely see this film developing a cult-following. All the elements are there for that. It was really well done. I’d see it again.”
Photo Credit: Rebel Yell Photography