Kristoffer Polaha Directs and Stars in Thriller Mimics

Kristoffer Polaha is stepping far outside the cozy romance lane that made him a Hallmark favorite and into something far darker. The fan-favorite actor has officially made his directorial debut with Mimics, a chilling new thriller centered around a sinister puppet and a desperate performer willing to risk everything for fame.

Hitting theaters on Friday the 13th, the film marks a bold career pivot for Polaha, who not only directs but also stars in and produces the project. And if the early buzz is any clue, this wicked puppet tale could be the surprise genre shake-up no one really saw coming.

Kristoffer Polaha’s Bold Leap From Hallmark Hero to Horror Visionary

For years, Kristoffer Polaha has been synonymous with heartfelt romances, charming small-town love stories, and feel-good holiday films. His presence on Hallmark Channel made him a household name among devoted viewers who tune in for comfort and chemistry.

But behind the scenes, Polaha has clearly been itching to stretch his creative muscles. With Mimics, he does exactly that.

This isn’t a gentle departure. It’s a full-throttle dive into psychological suspense, moral compromise, and supernatural menace.

By stepping into the director’s chair while also carrying the weight of a leading role, Polaha signals that this is more than a side project. It feels like a statement.

A Friday the 13th Release With Wicked Timing

Releasing a thriller about a malevolent puppet on Friday the 13th is no accident. The date alone primes audiences for dread, and Mimics leans into that eerie energy.

The film follows down-on-his-luck impressionist Sam Reinhold, who strikes a dangerous pact with Fergus, a wicked puppet with strings attached, in exchange for a shot at stardom. As success inches closer, the cost of that bargain spirals into a nightmare that threatens everything and everyone Sam loves.

It’s a classic cautionary tale wrapped in a modern entertainment industry lens. Fame is seductive. Desperation is powerful.

And when ambition overrides morality, the consequences can be monstrous. The puppet at the center of the chaos is not merely a prop—Fergus becomes a symbol of temptation, control, and the illusion of power.

More Than Just a Scary Puppet Movie

While the premise may sound like a straightforward horror setup, Mimics appears to dig deeper. At its core, the story examines what performers are willing to sacrifice for recognition.

Sam Reinhold isn’t a villain in the traditional sense. He’s struggling, overlooked, and hungry for a break.

That emotional vulnerability is what makes his pact so compelling. The concept of a puppet pulling strings is hardly subtle, but that’s really the point.

The metaphor extends beyond the supernatural. In an industry that often dictates who rises and who fades away, who’s really in control—the performer or the forces manipulating him?

A Cast Packed With Unexpected Talent

Polaha doesn’t shoulder this twisted tale alone. The film features an eclectic supporting cast that blends comedy veterans, genre favorites, and familiar faces from television.

• Mōriah
• Stephen Tobolowsky
• Chris Parnell
• Jesse Hutch
• Jason Marsden
• Austin Basis

The presence of actors like Stephen Tobolowsky and Chris Parnell suggests that Mimics may balance its darker themes with moments of sharp wit or unsettling humor. That tonal contrast can be especially effective in psychological thrillers, where brief levity often makes the horror hit even harder.

Jesse Hutch’s involvement is also notable for Hallmark fans, creating a subtle bridge between Polaha’s past and present screen identities. But make no mistake, this isn’t a cozy reunion project—it’s a reinvention.

Polaha’s Triple Threat Move: Director, Star, Producer

Taking on directing duties for the first time is a daunting task. Doing so while also starring in and producing the film raises the stakes considerably.

This triple role suggests that Polaha had a crystal-clear vision for Mimics and was determined to see it through. Directing a thriller requires precise tonal control.

Suspense has to build gradually. Performances need to feel grounded, even when the premise veers into the uncanny.

Pacing is everything. For a first-time director, that’s a high-wire act.

Why This Career Shift Matters

Hollywood history is filled with actors who longed to direct but never made the leap. Polaha’s decision to step behind the camera puts him in a lineage of performers who wanted creative control and deeper storytelling influence.

No longer confined to romantic leads, Polaha’s signaling he’s interested in complex, possibly darker material. That evolution can be risky, especially when a fan base has certain expectations.

But it can also be liberating. For longtime viewers who’ve followed his Hallmark journey, Mimics offers a chance to see a completely different side of his artistry.

And for horror and thriller fans unfamiliar with his previous work, this film may serve as a striking introduction.

From Hallmark Premiere to World Premiere

Interestingly, Polaha’s genre pivot arrives just after he debuted another project on Hallmark Channel in January. The contrast between a heartwarming television romance and a theatrical thriller about a sinister puppet could not be more dramatic.

That dual presence underscores his versatility. Few actors can toggle between wholesome romance and psychological horror within weeks of each other.

All Eyes on Reno

The film’s world premiere is set for the Pioneer Center in Reno, Nevada, where Polaha is expected to appear. Premieres are more than red carpets and photo ops—they’re litmus tests.

Audience reactions can shape a film’s momentum, especially for independent thrillers trying to carve out space in a crowded market. If early viewers respond strongly to the film’s tension and thematic depth, Mimics could generate the kind of word-of-mouth buzz that propels cult favorites.

Friday the 13th provides the perfect launchpad for that kind of grassroots excitement.

Will Audiences Embrace the Darkness?

The big question is whether Polaha’s loyal fans will follow him into this darker territory. Horror and thriller crowds can be tough to win over, while Hallmark regulars usually want something a bit more heartwarming.

Bridging those two worlds? That’s a tall order. Still, there’s something oddly fascinating about a performer known for romance diving into the perils of ambition and the cost of fame.

That unexpected contrast alone makes Mimics hard to ignore. It’s the kind of move that grabs your attention, even if you’re not sure what to expect.

At its core, the film seems to poke at a universal fear—losing control over your own life. Fergus the puppet lingers in the background while Sam Reinhold’s dreams start to unravel.

Mimics digs into those anxieties about success, identity, and the price you pay for getting what you want. It’s unsettling, maybe even a little too real at times.

On Friday the 13th, audiences will get to see just how risky this gamble really is for Kristoffer Polaha. He’s pulled his own strings and stepped into something bold—now it’s up to viewers to decide if they’ll follow.