NEW YORK, NY (NOVEMBER 15, 2019) – IFC Midnight is acquiring North American rights to THE WRETCHED, directed and written by Brett and Drew Pierce (DEADHEADS). The film stars John-Paul Howard, Piper Curda, Azie Tesfai, Zarah Mahler, Kevin Bigley, and Jamison Jones, with special effects by Erik Porn (VICE, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD) and is produced by Chang Tseng and Ed Polgardy. THE WRETCHED made its World Premiere at the 2019 Fantasia Film Festival to rave reviews and will be released via IFC Midnight in 2020.
THE WRETCHED finds a rebellious teenage boy, Ben, visiting his father for the summer as he makes a haunting discovery — a malevolent fiend from the deep woods stalks the young family living next door. Taking ahold of the mother, the creature begins playing a terrifying game of house while preying upon the local children. Alone in his suspicions, Ben launches into a perilous crusade to stop the wretched evil before it consumes everything he holds dear.
Arianna Bocco EVP of Acquisitions and Productions of IFC Films said, “THE WRETCHEDis sure to hit the right nerve for genre fans and mainstream audiences flocking to embrace stories with dark folkloric origins, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Pierce Brothers on this picture.”
Directors Brett and Drew Pierce added, “We’re extremely excited to be part of the IFC Midnight family. The Wretched couldn’t have a better home and we can’t wait to share our new and unique take on the witch myth with everyone.”
The deal was negotiated by Arianna Bocco and Aijah Keith of IFC Films with CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers. Brett and Drew are represented by Ryan Levee at Abrams Artist Agency and The Gotham Group.
ABOUT IFC MIDNIGHT
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of independent film. Its unique distribution model makes independent films available to a national audience by releasing them in theaters as well as on cable’s Video On Demand (VOD) platform, reaching nearly 50 million homes.
Upcoming releases include Jennifer Reeder’s KNIVES AND SKIN and Malgorzata Szumowska’s THE OTHER LAMB. Some of the company’s successes have included Andy Nyman’s critical darling GHOST STORIES, André Øvredal’s box-office success THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE, Peter Strickland’s modern giallo BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO, Duncan Skiles’ THE CLOVEHITCH KILLER, Lucile Hadžihalilović’s EVOLUTION, Johnnie To’s Hong Kong revenge thriller VENGEANCE, Sean Byrne’s THE DEVIL’S CANDY, John McNaughton’s THE HARVEST, and the award-winning and cultural phenomenon THE BABADOOK. IFC Midnight is a sister label to IFC Films, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.