John McPhail is a Scottish writer-director known for blending genre with heart, crafting films that balance dark humour, emotional storytelling, and crowd-pleasing energy. His breakout feature Anna and the Apocalypse became a cult hit, earning international acclaim for its bold mix of horror, comedy, and music and was nominated for two Scottish BAFTAS.
A lifelong horror fan, John was raised on the genre, introduced to films like The Wicker Man and The Thing by his mum, who would tape them off TV for him. He’d watch the first half over breakfast before school, then race home to finish them—an early ritual that shaped his love of tension, tone, and storytelling.
Alongside his feature work, John directed the horror short Special Delivery for Hulu and 20th Century Digital, continuing to explore the genre in short form. His recent film Grow, released on Sky Cinema, further showcases his ability to bring warmth and humanity to fantastical concepts.