Paolo Strippoli’s Italian folk-horror film “The Holy Boy” streams on Shudder starting November 27.

The film follows Sergio, a teacher haunted by his past, who transfers to Remis, a remote village known as Italy’s happiest town. He discovers the town’s dark secret: every week, villagers gather to hug Matteo, a fifteen-year-old whose embrace can erase pain and sorrow. When Sergio learns the village’s devotion to Matteo has a sinister side, his attempt to save the boy triggers the community’s wrath.

Strippoli co-wrote the script with Jacopo Del Giudice and Milo Tissone. The film stars Michele Riondino and Giulio Feltri.

“The Holy Boy” won the Audience Award and New Wave Best Director at Fantastic Fest, and screened at the Venice Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. Variety’s Jessica Kiang called it “a clever, creepy Italian chiller” that “investigates the dangers of displaced grief.”

Strippoli previously directed the Netflix film “A Classic Horror Story” with Roberto De Feo. His fourth film, “The Spiral,” is also set for release this year.

Screenings are scheduled in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, and Nashville between November 20 and November 23.