Kristoffer Polaha is getting support for his daring directorial debut from his “A Biltmore Christmas” co-star and leading lady Bethany Joy Lenz.
The actor, who has starred in more than 20 Hallmark films, made his directorial debut with “Mimics,” just in time for Valentine’s Day. The film had its world premiere on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in Reno, Nevada, which was named “Mimics Day” by the city’s mayor. Following this honor, the film was released in theaters nationwide on Friday, February 13, 2026.
When Polaha recently announced on social media that the film would soon be available for fans to watch at home, Joy Lenz was quick to voice her support.
Polaha Announces At-Home Release Date for His Directorial Debut
Polaha made the announcement on his Instagram on March 11. “Available for rent or purchase on @amazon March 24th,” he wrote in the caption of his post.
“👏👏👏🔥YESSSSSS” Joy Lenz wrote in the comments.
Hallmark fans were also quick to flood the comment section with love and support for the actor’s directorial debut:
“Omg, I’m so excited!!! I didn’t get to see it at the theater so now I will be able to see it at home!!!❤️”
“Fabulous! I’m heading to store to buy the store to buy the popcorn tomorrow and invite my neighbors over to watch it!”
“Yes best news of the day!!!!! 😍👏🏻 Can’t wait to watch Mimics!”
Polaha Discusses His Inspiration Behind ‘Mimics’
The “spooky little love story with a little bit of horror,” as Polaha described it to PEOPLE, follows struggling impressionist Sam Reinhold (Polaha), who makes a dangerous deal with a ventriloquist dummy named Fergus in exchange for fame.
“I really did swing for the fences,” Polaha told PEOPLE. “As an independent filmmaker, I wanted to do something that pushed the boundaries, and I wanted to see what we can do in the cinematic space. I just love telling stories.”
When Polaha agreed to develop a horror movie about demonic possession and the cost of fame, even his wife was surprised. He’d long said he didn’t like horror, especially as the genre had grown “really, really dark” in recent years. But something about “Mimics” felt different, according to RELEVANT Magazine.
“Mimics” follows an aspiring star who makes a dangerous (and demonic) deal in exchange for fame. Polaha saw an opportunity in the horror genre, realizing it might be perfect for exploring Christian cosmology, particularly the spiritual warfare most faith films rarely touch.
“When I look at the life of Jesus, He did two things: He healed people and He cast out demons,” Polaha told the magazine.
Polaha, who starred in, directed and co-wrote the indie, wasn’t interested in making a typical spiritual film. “I wanted to make a movie — something that could stand alongside Chucky and anything else.”
If the story was going to show darkness, Polaha insisted, it also had to show light.
“If I’m gonna show the malady, I wanted to show the remedy too,” he said.
I love you Kristoffer, but I can’t do horror!! Give me another Hallmark movie please!
I agree. Those ventriloquist dolls creep me out.
I also agree Cannot do horror ever since the film The Blob.
Kristoffer would be good at directing a comedy – he does comedy very well.