Shudder has secured North American rights to “Hellcat,” a psychological horror thriller that marks the feature directorial debut of Brock Bodell, Blue Finch Films revealed at Berlin’s European Film Market.
The streamer plans to release the film later this year following its premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, where it received positive critical reception. Bodell previously gained recognition on the festival circuit with his short film “Grief.”
U.K.-based sales and distribution company Blue Finch Films has also closed deals with Meteor Film for Germany and Falcon Films for the MENA region. Blue Finch will handle releases in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
The tense thriller centers on Lena, a woman with a severe wound who regains consciousness inside a moving camper trailer. The driver warns her they have only one hour to reach medical help before she faces a dire outcome. As her condition deteriorates and her perception of reality becomes unreliable, the question of who poses the real threat intensifies.
Dakota Gorman, known for “Natural Disasters,” leads the cast. The ensemble includes Todd Terry (“Breaking Bad”), Liz Atwater (“The Other People”), Jordan Mullins (“The Bikeriders”) and “Saturday Night Live” cast member James Austin Johnson in a voice role.
Bodell wrote and directed the project, producing alongside Andrew Duensing (“The Dead Center”) and Nate Eggert (“I Can Feel You Walking”). Maris Bodell (“Grief”), Noah Lang (“Blood for Dust”) and Matt Phelps served as executive producers. Zak Engel (“Ultrasound”) composed the score.
Blue Finch Films’ current international slate includes holiday-themed horror “Unholy Night,” Rotterdam Film Festival selection “Bowels of Hell,” SXSW title “Imposters” and “Dolly,” which IFC will release theatrically in March.
Shudder continues to expand its horror offerings with approximately 30 film releases annually. Recent acquisitions include Chris Nash’s “In a Violent Nature,” Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ “Late Night With the Devil,” Damian McCarthy’s “Oddity” and Emilie Blichfeldt’s “The Ugly Stepsister.” The platform is available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.