A Southern Haunting Cast and Character Guide


A Southern Haunting is a historical horror movie set after the Civil War in the United States. At the time of 'Restoration,' what was perceived as a controversial bill was passed: former slaves would be given 40 acres of land (explaining Spike Lee's film company, 40 Acres and a Mule), though it hardly went according to plan. The film is about a family that gets their 40 acres and moves into a house to start their new lives – but that’s not going to be easy, as the land appears to be cursed, and supernatural events target them.






Jordan Peele changed the horror genre with his African American-centric horror movies. That change continues to grow when it comes to the genre and representation, and A Southern Haunting falls into this category. Here is a comprehensive cast and character guide for this historical horror movie.




Imani Hakim as Lula


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


Lula, played by Imani Hakim, is the lead character of this horror tale. After their mother left them, Lula was put into a position as the oldest child to become a caretaker and role model for her younger siblings. Lula is opinionated, not afraid to act or even put herself in danger, and doesn’t see eye to eye with her father most of the time. She wants to feel at home on their new land, but that turns out to be harder than she expects.



Who Is Imani Hakim?


Imani Hakim is 25 years old and has been in 28 productions so far in her young career as an actress. Her first role was in 2005, in a CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode. Before this movie, she was best known for her roles on the television shows Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet and Everybody Hates Chris.





Tarik Lowe as Father


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


The character of the Father, who doesn’t have a name, is played by Tarik Lowe. The Father is fearful for his family in their new home, especially because of their threatening neighbors. On top of that and the supernatural threat, he also has to take care of his children alone, and figure out what he can plant in the spoiled soil. He is harsh and doesn’t pay attention to his kids most of the time, but he eventually learns that he has to start listening in order to stop the curse that ravages their family’s new home.



Who Is Tarik Lowe?


Tarik Lowe is a writer as well as an actor. He is most known for the television series One Life to Live and Major Crimes. He can also be seen in the movies Whiplash and Supporting Characters.







Naiyah D. Scaife as Mother


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


The character of the Mother, who also doesn’t have a name, is played by Naiyah D. Scaife. She must have left her family before the events of the movie, since her husband tells her that if she ever left again, she shouldn’t come back. Her absence is an evident weight on every family member — the young ones miss her, and Lula blames her dad for her mother’s actions. While she may not be present, she is still an essential part of the puzzle to solve what happened to this land, and who they should trust.



Who Is Naiyah D. Scaife?


A Southern Haunting was Naiyah D. Scaife is known for her roles in the feature film Under the Stadium Lights and for producing and acting in an episode of the miniseries The Keeper. She was also a producer in the movie Killing Lazarus.





Jelani Talib as Abe


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


Abe, played by Jelani Talib, is the oldest son. He is a young man who must help his father take care of the family and protect his younger siblings. He takes on various roles, such as helping his dad prepare the land and trying to figure out what can grow in the soil. He isn’t as opinionated as Lula, but he won’t tolerate disrespect either, especially from his violent neighbors. He is also the first character to suffer the supernatural consequences of being in their new home.



Who Is Jelani Talib?


This was Jelani Talib’s third feature film; the other two were Chocolate Covered Christmas and The Sound of Your Voice. The actor has been in various short films, the two latest being Remission and Wish You Were Here.





Laya DeLeon Hayes as Hany


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


Hany, played by Laya DeLeon Hayes, is one of the youngest children. Hany deeply relies on her sister to take care of her and for comfort, as she sorely misses their mother. She is very close to their youngest brother also, and because Lula takes up a lot of responsibility, Hany gets to act more in accordance with her age, not having to be so mature and still getting to play with dolls.



Who Is Laya DeLeon Hayes?


Laya DeLeon's career is still young, with the actress only nineteen years old, but she has already been in an impressive number of productions. She is mostly known for her voice acting work, especially in Doc McStuffins and Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie.









Jaden Newton as Elijah


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


Elijah, played by Jaden Newton, is the youngest brother. He doesn’t really understand a lot of what’s happening around him, including his family’s dangerous situation. However, Elijah shouldn't be ignored due to his age, as he is great at solving puzzles and finding creative ways of fixing problems. He is not aware of the constant danger they face, and this could lead to dramatic consequences. He is closer to Hany, and they like to explore places together. Jaden Newton is the youngest on the cast, and this is his first role as an actor.





Graham Patrick Martin as Taran


A Southern Haunting
Scatena & Rosner Films


Taran, played by Graham Patrick Martin, is one of the lead family’s neighbor. He is an Irish immigrant who moved to the United States with his sister Fiona (Christine Weatherup). Unlike the other white neighbors, he says he has no prejudice against African Americans – and begins a relationship with Lula. He was studying to be a doctor in Ireland, so he is willing to give medical assistance to his new neighbors.



Who Is Graham Patrick Martin?


Graham Patrick Martin is a triple threat as an actor, producer, and director. He is most well-known for Major Crimes, which he was in for 105 episodes. He was also in Two and a Half Men and the limited series Catch-22.




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