An upcoming independent supernatural mystery film titled Still Water has officially wrapped its main Wisconsin shoot, with the atmospheric feature making use of the lakes, forests and secluded landscapes of the state’s Northwoods.

The film is directed, produced by and stars Wisconsin-born filmmaker Hans Hernke, and will contain roughly 50/50 mix of supernatural and mystery elements.

Exactly what those supernatural elements involve is being kept firmly under wraps for now.

The film’s promotional artwork offers only a teasing clue:

“He came to the lake looking for peace… something else was waiting…”

A Mystery at Still Water Lake

Much of Still Water was filmed on an undisclosed lake in Northern Wisconsin, which becomes the fictional Still Water Lake in the film.

Additional scenes were shot at The Sawbuck, a coffee shop and bakery in downtown Land O’ Lakes.

Rather than using a large production setup, the film was deliberately designed around a smaller number of locations, a focused story and the natural surroundings of the Northwoods.

According to Hernke, the aim was to allow the landscape itself to become part of the film’s atmosphere.

“I’ve always wanted to film a movie in the Great Outdoors of Up North, Wisconsin. I just had to create the right story to make it possible.”

Hernke added that the production was kept intentionally simple, with friends helping during filming and the familiar Wisconsin environment playing an important role in the project.

Plot Details Remain Secret

For now though, very little is being revealed about what actually happens in Still Water.

Hernke says he wants audiences to discover the story for themselves rather than to know too much in advance.

He has teased that the film will encourage viewers to “think twice” about what they are watching and will include several unexpected twists.

The newly released poster also appears to suggest that whatever is waiting at Still Water Lake may not be entirely natural.

With Hernke confirming the film’s supernatural element, the mystery surrounding the lake is likely to remain one of the project’s biggest talking points until more footage or story details are released.

More Filming Still to Come

Although the Wisconsin portion of production has wrapped, filming is not yet completely finished.

Additional scenes are expected to be shot in the UK, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with further cast announcements also planned.

Once filming is complete, Still Water will enter post-production in Los Angeles, including editing, sound, music and colour work.

The film is currently targeting a Summer or Fall 2027 release.

A Return to Wisconsin

For Hernke, the project also represents a return to his roots.

Born and raised in Menasha, Wisconsin, he later built a career in Los Angeles as an actor, producer and filmmaker.

He said it was important that Still Water felt as though it genuinely belonged in Northern Wisconsin rather than simply using the region as a generic backdrop.

“Northern Wisconsin has such a unique look and feeling. I wanted to embrace that rather than trying to make it look like somewhere else.”

That decision appears to be reflected strongly in the film’s imagery, with lakes, woodland and isolated surroundings helping create the mysterious tone.

What Is Waiting at Still Water Lake?

For now, that remains the big question.

With its combination of supernatural elements, mystery and an isolated lakeside setting, Still Water looks set to keep most of its secrets hidden until much closer to its release.

More cast announcements, behind-the-scenes material, first-look footage and release information are expected as production continues.

I will be keeping an eye on Still Water as more details about the mystery begin to emerge.

Still Water is currently expected to be released in Summer or Fall 2027.