Hey, thriller lovers! Get ready to dive into Sinister Surgeon, a Lifetime movie that’s got everyone talking. Directed by Jonathan Louis Lewis, this medical mystery centers on Dr. Katelyn Harken, a driven young doc who scores her dream gig with the famous cosmetic surgeon Dr. Peterson. The story’s dark twists pair perfectly with a moody vibe, and every spot, from the hospital halls to her own house, ramps up the suspense. This gripping movie was released on April 6, 2025, and it’s already making waves. At NetFilming, we’re diving into the juicy details about where this chilling tale was filmed and the talented cast bringing it to life. Ready to uncover the secrets behind the scenes? Let’s get started!
What’s Sinister Surgeon All About?
Sinister Surgeon follows Dr. Katelyn Harken, a young and eager doctor who lands her dream gig working with Dr. Peterson, a famous cosmetic surgeon. Sounds perfect, right? Not so fast. Things take a dark turn when patients start dying under strange circumstances. Katelyn gets a mysterious warning and begins to suspect Dr. Peterson might be hiding a deadly secret. Is he a killer in a white coat, or is there more to the story? She’s racing against time to find out—without ending up as the next victim. The tension builds with every scene, and the settings play a big role in keeping you on edge.
Where Did They Film Sinister Surgeon?
If you’re wondering where this spooky medical thriller came to life, the answer is California—specifically, the buzzing city of Los Angeles. Filming kicked off in mid-January 2024 and wrapped up by early February, giving the crew just a few weeks to capture the movie’s eerie vibe. Los Angeles is a goldmine for filmmakers, with its mix of stunning skylines, urban streets, and hidden gems. For Sinister Surgeon, the team picked spots that match the story’s dark and glamorous feel perfectly.
Los Angeles: The Heart of the Action
Los Angeles isn’t just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in the film. The city’s sprawling layout gave the crew plenty of options, from sleek hospitals to upscale neighborhoods. You’ll catch glimpses of the iconic LA skyline, a symbol of big dreams and fast-paced living, which contrasts sharply with the shadowy plot. The movie taps into that duality—glitz on the surface, secrets underneath. Whether it’s a busy street or a quiet corner, every location adds a layer of suspense.
One standout spot is the Silver Lake area. This neighborhood, with its beautiful reservoir and charming estates, doubles as both a peaceful retreat and a place where tension brews. Silver Lake has a history of popping up in films like Under the Silver Lake and shows like Fear the Walking Dead. In Sinister Surgeon, it’s used for indoor and outdoor shots that pull you into Katelyn’s world. The crew also filmed around Beverly Hills and the Griffith Observatory on Mount Hollywood. These posh and recognizable places remind you of LA’s flashy side while the story digs into its darker corners.
Beyond that, the team utilized common urban locations such as parking lots and crosswalks to establish the scene. These shots ground the movie, showing how Katelyn’s life blends into the city’s rhythm, yet feels worlds apart as the mystery unfolds. Los Angeles delivered the perfect mix of beauty and unease, making it an ideal home for this thriller.
When Did the Filming of Sinister Surgeon Take Place?
Filming for Sinister Surgeon kicked off in mid-January 2024 and wrapped up by the second week of February 2024. The crew shot the entire medical thriller in just a few weeks, capturing its eerie vibe across Los Angeles. That tight schedule turned into a suspense-packed movie that hit screens in 2025!
Sinister Surgeon Behind the Scenes
Ever wondered what went into making Sinister Surgeon the gripping thriller it is? Let’s delve deeper into the process! The crew worked diligently to bring the story of Dr. Katelyn Harken and the shady Dr. Peterson to life, and the behind-the-scenes magic is truly captivating.
Filming in LA wasn’t just about convenience—it was a deliberate choice. The city’s glitzy vibe paired with its hidden corners gave the movie that unsettling contrast between glamour and danger. Spots like Silver Lake and Beverly Hills weren’t just pretty backdrops; they added depth to the tension. The team scouted indoor and outdoor locations to match the dark mood, from hospital corridors to urban streets. It’s remarkable how a parking lot or a skyline shot can evoke a sense of excitement when paired with a compelling story!
The cast also had a significant impact behind the scenes. Samantha Neyland Trumbo, who stars as Katelyn, brought her A-game with a disciplined vibe from her military family roots. Anthony Montgomery, playing Dr. Peterson, added layers to his character with his experience from Star Trek and beyond. Fun tidbit: Anthony’s also a martial artist and graphic novelist—talk about multitasking! The duo’s chemistry didn’t just happen on-screen; it brewed during rehearsals and downtime, making those suspenseful moments pop.
Oh, and here’s a cool nugget: Sinister Surgeon first dropped as a Tubi original in July 2024 before Lifetime snagged it. That switch shows how much buzz it built early on. The crew leaned into practical effects too—like prosthetics for those creepy surgical scenes—giving it a raw, real feel. Los Angeles offered the resources to pull that off, with its top-notch studios and talent pool. Behind the scenes, it was all about blending hard work, smart choices, and a dash of LA flair to craft a thriller that keeps you guessing!
Meet the Stars of Sinister Surgeon
The cast is packed with talent, led by Samantha Neyland Trumbo and Anthony Montgomery. Together, their compelling chemistry draws you deeply into the story. Here is an overview of the characters and their respective contributions.
Samantha Neyland Trumbo as Dr. Katelyn Harken
Samantha Neyland Trumbo expertly assumes the role of Katelyn. As the plot deepens, Samantha effectively captures the young doctor’s mix of excitement, fear, and determination. Samantha’s no newbie—she’s been acting since her teens and has a knack for complex roles.
Fun fact: Back in 2013, she made history as the first African-American Miss Hawaii Teen USA at just 17. That discipline from her military family background shines through in her work.
You might recognize her from other Lifetime hits like Running Away and The Night Stalker. Outside of Lifetime, she’s played a kidnapped bride in Christmas Rescue and popped up in shows like Ballers and Magnum P.I.. Her range is impressive—compare her sneaky Lottie in Tempted to the innocent Katelyn here. Samantha’s ability to shift perspectives keeps you captivated, and in Sinister Surgeon, she embodies the essence of mystery.
Anthony Montgomery as Dr. Peterson
Then there’s Anthony Montgomery, who plays the enigmatic Dr. Peterson. Is he a brilliant surgeon or a cold-blooded killer? Anthony keeps you guessing with every look and line. He’s got a solid track record, from playing Travis Mayweather in Star Trek: Enterprise to earning a Daytime Emmy nod for General Hospital. Thrillers are his playground too—check him out in The Man in 3B or Maya.
Anthony’s more than just an actor. He’s a martial artist, a graphic novelist (his work Miles Away got a Glyph Comics nod), and even the grandson of jazz legend Wes Montgomery. In Sinister Surgeon, he brings depth to Dr. Peterson, making you question his every move. His experience in shows like NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy adds polish to this role, and he’s a big reason the movie’s suspense works so well.
Supporting Cast That Steals the Show
- Alisa Allapach as Lori: She brings a fresh energy to the mix, making Lori a standout in the chaos.
- Helena Mattsson as Dr. Nichols: Playing a sharp doctor, she adds a cool edge to the story’s tension.
- Harry Jarvis as Brad: He lights up the screen as Brad, keeping you hooked with every scene.
- Justin Chu Cary as Detective Elliot: This guy’s detective skills bring a gritty vibe to the investigation.
- Shantel Jackson as Tracey: She delivers as Tracey, adding depth to the supporting lineup.
- Jordyn Rolling as Sarah: Her role as Sarah keeps the plot buzzing with intrigue.
- Ashley London as Jennifer: Rounding out the crew, she makes Jennifer a name you won’t forget.
Sinister Surgeon Official Trailer
How to Watch Sinister Surgeon?
You can stream Sinister Surgeon on Lifetime’s website or app with a cable login. It first dropped as a Tubi original in July 2024 before landing on Lifetime, so it’s got a fanbase already. At NetFilming, we think it’s worth a watch for anyone who loves a good mystery with a medical twist. Check your local listings or streaming platforms to dive in.
Sinister Surgeon blends a creepy storyline with a killer cast and a city that’s as captivating as it is unsettling. Filmed across Los Angeles, from Silver Lake to Beverly Hills, it uses every location to ramp up the suspense.
Whether you’re a thriller junkie or just curious, this movie’s got something for you. Got thoughts on it? Drop them below—I’d love to hear what you think!
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