Bari Kang makes a striking entrance into horror with Itch!, a grim and tightly wound debut that first caught attention at Grimmfest. Now set for its digital release on 20 April 2026 via Seven Tales, the film arrives carrying strong early buzz and a premise rooted in both fear and human fragility.
Kang takes on multiple roles behind and in front of the camera, writing, directing, producing, and starring as Jay. That central performance gives the story a grounded core. Jay is a man dealing with loss, struggling through grief while the world begins to fall apart around him. It gives the film an emotional weight that runs alongside the horror.
At the centre of the story is a fast moving and deeply disturbing infection known as The Itch. It spreads rapidly, turning those affected into violent, unstable versions of themselves, driven towards destruction. As panic spreads across the city, Jay and his daughter, played by Olivia Kang, search for somewhere safe to hide.
They find temporary shelter in a convenience store, though safety quickly proves to be an illusion. The space becomes increasingly tense as more survivors gather, and suspicion begins to take hold. The threat is not just outside. It builds within the group itself, fuelled by fear and desperation.
As the infection draws closer and tensions rise, the film shifts into a more psychological space. Trust becomes fragile, and every decision carries serious consequences. The real danger begins to feel as though it lies in how people react when survival is on the line.
The relationship between Jay and his daughter remains at the heart of it all. Their bond is pushed to breaking point as they face impossible choices, forcing them to confront not just the situation around them, but each other. The story builds towards a conclusion that aims to challenge ideas of protection, sacrifice, and what people are willing to do for those they love.
With support from a cast that includes Patrick Michael Valley, Ximena Uribe, Mia Ventura Lucas, and Douglas Stirling, Itch! sets itself up as a bleak and intense addition to the outbreak horror space.
The film lands on UK digital platforms on 20 April, with a US release following on 21 April, offering a harsh and gripping experience that stays focused on both terror and the human cost behind it.
