IFC Films and Shudder have recently acquired the distribution rights to the highly anticipated horror film, “Late Night with the Devil,” following a deal with Cinetic Media. The agreement grants IFC Films and Shudder the rights for North America, the U.K., and Ireland. The plan is to release the movie exclusively in theaters through IFC Films, followed by a streaming window on the horror-focused platform Shudder.
“Late Night with the Devil” is directed by the talented Australian brothers Cameron and Colin Cairnes, known for their previous works such as “100 Bloody Acres” and “Scare Campaign.” The film draws inspiration from the spirit and style of classic 1970s horror movies like “The Exorcist” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” It tells the gripping story of Jack Delroy, a charismatic but struggling late night talk show host portrayed by David Dastmalchian, best known for his role in “Suicide Squad.” In an attempt to boost his ratings, Delroy stages a demon-evoking seance on live television, inadvertently unleashing a malevolent force that spreads its evil across the nation through television screens.
Dastmalchian, who delivers a remarkable performance as Jack Delroy, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play such a haunting role. He stated, “Playing Jack Delroy in ‘Late Night with the Devil’ was a once-in-a-lifetime role that haunted me and changed the way I look at my work forever.” He also praised IFC Films and Shudder as the perfect partners to bring the film to audiences and thanked the Cairnes brothers for their exceptional craftsmanship. Dastmalchian acknowledged the overwhelming positive buzz generated by the film among festival fans.
The film premiered at the prestigious SXSW festival and has since embarked on a successful tour of fantasy festivals. It garnered critical acclaim and recognition, including the Best Screenplay award at the Sitges Film Festival and numerous accolades at Toronto After Dark, where it won Best Feature Film and Best Lead Performance for Dastmalchian.
Colin and Cameron Cairnes, the directors of “Late Night with the Devil,” expressed their excitement about their partnership with IFC Films and Shudder. In a statement, they said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with IFC Films and Shudder to share ‘Late Night with the Devil’ with wider audiences around the globe. The success of the film’s international festival run has exceeded our wildest expectations, and we can’t wait to embark on the next exciting phase of the movie’s journey with these fantastic partners.”
The distribution deal between IFC Films, Shudder, and Cinetic Media was negotiated by Emily Gotto and Adam Koehler on behalf of the companies. The international sales of the film are being handled by Stuart Ford’s AGC, which hosted a special Halloween night screening for potential buyers at the AFM (American Film Market).
“Late Night with the Devil” was produced by a talented team including Derek Dauchy, Mat Govoni, Steven Schneider, Roy Lee, Adam White, John Molloy, and David Dastmalchian. The production is a collaboration between Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Spooky Pictures, Future Pictures, and Good Fiend Films.
With IFC Films and Shudder securing the distribution rights for “Late Night with the Devil” in North America, the U.K., and Ireland, fans of horror films can look forward to experiencing this chilling tale on the big screen before it becomes available for streaming on Shudder. The filmmakers, as well as the cast and crew, are thrilled to continue the film’s journey and share it with audiences worldwide. The combination of the Cairnes brothers’ directorial skills, Dastmalchian’s outstanding performance, and the homage to classic horror films makes “Late Night with the Devil” an exciting addition to the genre.