Genre expert Joe Lynch is bringing his chaotic sense of ‘Mayhem‘ to national audiences, as RLJ Entertainment and AMC Networks‘ Shudder have partnered on the North American release of the director’s new action movie. Through a deal finalized at the 70th Cannes International Film Festival, the distribution company and all-horror streaming service have jointly acquired the movie’s theatrical and On Demand rights.
The acquisition of the thriller’s North American distribution rights comes after it premiered at this year’s SXSW to positive reviews. RLJ Entertainment plans to release ‘Mayhem’ in theaters and On Demand during the last quarter of this year, and Shudder will premiere the action drama during early 2018. Mark Ward, RLJ Entertainment’s Chief Acquisitions Officer, and Aurelie de Troyer, Shudder’s VP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions, made the announcement about the acquisition.
“Joe Lynch’s vision is captivating,” said Ward. “He has the ability to take stories and elevate them with his unique insight and direction.”
“‘Mayhem’ is bold, fun, irreverent and incredibly fast on its feet,” said de Troyer. “Steve Yeun and Samara Weaving deliver stunning performances. It’s a perfect fit for Shudder.”
“‘Mayhem’ is a very personal film for us that has affected and engaged festival audiences looking for some insane, cathartic fun in these trying times,” said Lynch. “With RLJ Entertainment and Shudder working together to bring MAYHEM to the masses, I am confident that this crazy flick will find its audience in the best way possible. It will be for viewers who want the choice of a big, bold, loud theatrical experience but it will also have the convenience and careful curation of Shudder’s fantastic service. As a fan and customer of Shudder, I am proud to know that we are in great company. ‘Mayhem’ is coming for you all soon enough!”
The horror movie was written by Matias Caruso, and stars Steven Yeun, Samara Weaving, Steven Brand and Dallas Roberts. The thriller was produced by Avva Pictures’ Mehrdad Elie and Parisa Caviani, along with Circle of Confusion’s Lawrence Mattis and Matt Smith.
In ‘Mayhem,’ an airborne virus infects the corporate tower of a major law firm on the day attorney Derek Saunders (Yeun) is wrongfully fired. The infection is capable of making people act out on their “mosterratic” impulses and viral rage takes over. Trapped in the quarantined building, Saunders is forced to fearlessly fight for his job, his redemption and his life.