Shudder secures rights to ‘The Dead Thing,’ streamers prepare for a chilling February

Horror buffs, get ready! Shudder, the go-to streaming service for horror, thriller, and supernatural content, has acquired the chilling erotic thriller The Dead Thing right before its U.S. premiere at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. This strategic deal covers distribution rights across North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Plot synopsis: Love, obsession, and deadly secrets

The Dead Thing takes viewers on an intense journey following a young woman trapped in a series of futile connections. Her life spirals out of control when she falls for a charming and sensitive man, only to discover that he harbors a dark secret. This hidden truth thrusts her into a dangerously obsessive affair. The interplay of romance and horror will captivate audiences, creating a haunting experience they won’t soon forget.

Behind the scenes: Elric Kane’s solo debut

This film marks Elric Kane’s solo feature debut, showcasing his directorial prowess and unique storytelling vision. Kane co-wrote the screenplay with Webb Wilcoxen, bringing a fresh perspective to the horror genre. The film stars Blu Hunt, best known for her role in The New Mutants. Joining her is Ben Smith-Petersen, a stuntman turned actor who has made significant strides with his performances in Mad Max: Fury Road.

Premiering earlier at the Fantasia International Film Festival, The Dead Thing has already garnered attention for its compelling narrative and strong performances. Mark your calendars for February 14, when this gripping thriller makes its grand debut on Shudder.

Insights from the creators

Elric Kane shared his excitement about the film’s new home on Shudder:

“I’ve been a Shudder subscriber since almost Day One and preaching about it on podcasts for just as long, so it’s a thrill to know our film is in such great hands. Shudder continues to expand the scope of what horror can be by including films that push the boundaries of the genre. I consider our film to be one of these and even our scrappy production was inspired by many of the independent films they’ve released over the years.”

Samuel Zimmerman, Shudder’s VP of programming, also expressed his enthusiasm:

“With the perceptive and eerie The Dead Thing, Elric Kane, who has dedicated so much to the genre already, makes a terrific leap into horror filmmaking. We’re thrilled to be its home.“

Production and deal details

The acquisition deal for The Dead Thing was negotiated by figures from Yellow Veil Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers and Shudder’s team. The film boasts an impressive production team, with Matt Mercer and Monte Yazzie as producers, and Rebekah McKendry serving as executive producer. Elric Kane is represented by Atlas Artists, underlining the film’s professional backing and quality production.

Industry trends and reflections

The horror genre continues to evolve, with more filmmakers pushing its boundaries by blending different genres and innovative storytelling techniques. The success of films like The Dead Thing on platforms like Shudder highlights this trend. Audiences crave content that breaks conventional norms, offering fresh and thought-provoking experiences.

Films like Terrifier 3 and the unexpected box office dynamics with other big titles demonstrate that horror movies resonate deeply with audiences. This bodes well for releases on streaming services, which can cater to niche interests with greater flexibility than traditional cinema.

Join the conversation

As The Dead Thing prepares for its Shudder debut, fans and horror enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this thrilling addition to their favorite streaming service. With its intriguing plot and talented cast, it’s set to become a standout title.

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