Julia Max is a rising star in the indie horror world. She began her career with the sci-fi short “The Colonies” (2015), followed by the unsettling “Distortion” (2016) and the haunting “Pieces of Me” (2020). Her latest film, “The Surrender” (2025), is her feature debut and has garnered acclaim for its intense portrayal of grief and family bonds. The film follows a mother and daughter who engage in a dark resurrection ritual, which leads to deadly consequences. Premiering at SXSW 2025, “The Surrender” has been praised for its storytelling and cast.