Jodie Comer's "wonderful" and "blindingly original" musical confirms UK release

A wildly original Jodie Comer-starring body horror musical finally has a UK release date. Theo Rhys' debut feature Stuffed, based on his BAFTA-nominated short film of the same name, has been picked up by Curzon for UK distribution.

Stuffed stars 28 Years Later and Killing Eve's Comer in the lead role alongside Harry Potter and Pillion actor Harry Melling.

A synopsis reads: "The idiosyncratic comedy-romance follows reclusive taxidermist Araminta (Comer) who, after placing an advert seeking the perfect human specimen to stuff, receives a response from Bernie (Melling).

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"Bernie, a lonely factory worker, fears he will be forgotten and leave no legacy behind. As the two outcasts embark on their macabre plan, an unexpected romance sparks between them, complicating matters: in preparation for death, they find a life worth living."

Joss Holden-Rea, who co-wrote the screenplay with director Rhys, composed the original music for the musical.

Jake Garriock, senior director of distribution at Curzon, said: "It feels like a small miracle that a film as original and enjoyable as Stuffed exists.

"Theo and his team have brought this tale to life with wit and flair, blending the macabre and romantic to thrilling effect. Jodie and Harry deliver performances to die for. We’re excited to bring this brilliantly bold experience to audiences in the UK and Eire."

Stuffed is produced by Sam Ritzenberg and Dimitra Tsingou, alongside Myles Payne and Hayley Williams of Agile Films, with Danny Roberts, Jackie Langelier and H.S. Naji of Fresh Fish Films.

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Following its premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, Stuffed has received several glowing reviews, and been hailed as "wonderful" and "blindingly original". The movie currently holds a positive 72% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 25 reviews.

In Digital Spy's own three-star review, we wrote: "It's not going to work for everyone, but that it might work for anyone at all - even for a while, before petering out - is a minor miracle."

Mashable said: "This gnarly wonder is certain to find a cult following that will love it, warts and all."

InSession Film wrote: "It’s almost impossible to perfectly put your finger on, but it has that secret formula that makes movies one of the most special art forms on the planet."

IndieWire opined: "In offering empathy for its protagonists, it celebrates when people find the other halves of their lives who not only match their freak, but enhance it."

Stuffed is set to be released in the UK and Ireland by Curzon.

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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more. Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club. LinkedIn