The Surrender (2025): Full list of cast and characters explored

The Surrender is a horror film written and directed by Julia Max. Produced by Codependent Films, the film was released on Shudder on May 23, 2025.

The story follows a mother-daughter duo, Barbara and Megan, who are caregivers of their family's patriarch, Robert. After he succumbs to his illness, the mother tries to bring him back from the dead by performing a dangerous ritual.

Kate Burton and Colby Minifie play Barbara and Megan, respectively. Neil Sandilands plays the character who is invited to perform the ritual. The supporting cast includes Chelsea Alden, Vaughn Armstrong, Riley Rose Critchlow, Mia Ellis, LeAnne Fuller, and Lola Prince Kelly.

The main cast of The Surrender

Colby Minifie as Megan

Colby Minifie plays the lead character of Mega, who reluctantly takes part in her mother's obsession to bring her father back to life. However, as the ritual progresses, she has to fight for her survival.

Minifie gained prominence for playing Ashley Barrett in The Boys and Gen V. Her other works include Submission, Radium Girls, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Fear the Walking Dead.

Kate Burton as Barbara

Kate Burton's Barbara is completely consumed by the caregiving responsibility of her husband. Even his death couldn't stop her obsession with taking care of him, eventually taking a sinister turn.

Burton has had a career spanning over multiple decades. She has been part of films such as August, Unfaithful, What Just Happened, and 127 Hours, among several others. She also found success on television with Grey's Anatomy and Scandal.

Neil Sandilands as The Man

Neil Sandilands plays the man who carries out the resurrection ritual. However, during the process, things get out of his control, putting everyone in danger.

Sandilands is a South African filmmaker and actor with over 3 decades of experience. He has directed multiple short films and has also worked as an editor and cinematographer. His acting credits include The Americans, The 100, Coyote Lake, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes etc.

The additional cast of The Surrender

Below is the additional list of actors and the role they play in the film:

Chelsea Alden as Young Barbara
Vaughn Armstrong as Robert
Riley Rose Critchlow as Lacey
Mia Ellis as Nikki
LeAnne Fuller as Lost Soul
Lola Prince Kelly as Alexa
Richard B. Larimore as Lost Soul
Hal Perry as Lost Soul
Pete Ploszek as Young Robert
Judith Foster Thompson as Lost Soul
Alaina Pollack as Young Megan
Bill Pryor as Lost Soul

What is The Surrender about?

The Surrender delves into a mother's and daughter's struggle to accept the loss of their loved one. Inability to cope with the reality of life and death leads them to a sinister journey of obsession. Here's the official synopsis by Shudder:

"When the family patriarch dies, a grieving mother and daughter risk their lives to perform a brutal resurrection ritual and bring him back from the dead."

Stay tuned for more news and updates on The Surrender and other such films on Shudder.

About the author

Ankit is an entertainment writer at SK POP with a Master's degree in Political Science. He has previously worked as a scriptwriter for Pocket FM and aspires to pursue a Master's degree in Film Studies.

He strives to be a responsible journalist and does so by verifying information with the help of official and credible sources. He also prioritizes in-depth research to ensure he pens informative articles.

He believes he is indebted to cinema and pop culture as it gives him the opportunity to embark on adventures from the confines of his home. He looks up to Rudy Mancuso and also admires the work of Dostoyevsky, Kafka, and Edgar Allan Poe.

If Ankit could get his hands on a time machine, he would love to attend Queen's 1985 performance at Live Aid and be part of 'Lord of the Rings.' He enjoys weaving stories and playing music in his free time and is currently writing a novel.

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Edited by Tiasha