A brand new first look image for Robert Eggers‘ Werwulf debuted today.

Eggers tells Esquire of Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s leading character, “He’s a farmer. He’s a man who is cursed. It’s a story about a man who is cursed and is trying to find salvation through love. He’s a character who is haunted and in great pain.

“It’s a really brutal, unforgiving, merciless, grotesque world. More than ever, it’s mud and blood and dung and rain and pain and suffering. Aaron’s performance is incredibly harrowing.”

Set in 13th century England, Werwulf sees a mysterious creature stalk the land as local folklore becomes a terrifying reality. 

Eggers directs from a script he co-wrote with Sjón.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nosferatu), Lily-Rose Depp (Nosferatu), Willem Dafoe (The Lighthouse), Ralph Ineson (The Witch), and Bodhi Rae Breathnach (Hamnet) star.

In theaters December 25.