Chilling New Horror 'Monitor' Snags Searchlight Pictures Deal After Sxsw Buzz

Searchlight's New Horror Gem

Searchlight Pictures is diving deep into the spine-tingling world of horror with its latest acquisition – 'Monitor.' This thrilling horror flick, helmed by burgeoning directors Matt Black and Ryan Polly, first captivated audiences at the SXSW film festival in March, where it premiered in the prestigious Midnighter section. The buzz from the festival has earned it a spot in Searchlight's lineup, with a tantalizing release projected for 2027.

A Modern-Day Nightmare

Dubbed as a contemporary blend of 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' and 'The Ring,' 'Monitor' is set to grip the audience with its chilling narrative. Brittany O'Grady leads the cast as a content moderator tangled in a terrifying web after removing a sinister video from the internet. This deletion triggers a series of deadly events where an evil presence begins targeting her and her coworkers through their omnipresent screens. The film also stars a dynamite ensemble cast, including Taz Skylar, Viveik Karla, Ines Høysæter Asserson, Gunner Willis, Sara Alexander, and Camila Bejarano Wahlgren.

“We’re beyond thrilled to be partnering with Searchlight Pictures to bring this monster to theaters, where it truly belongs on the big screen,” enthused directors Black and Polly.

The Visionaries Behind the Film

Crafted with imaginative flair, 'Monitor' is brought to life by producers Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner, the masterminds behind the horror sensation 'Smile.' Joining them are producers John Fischer and Adrian Guerra. Executive producers Nuria Valls, Hal Sadoff, Ben Levine, Dave Bishop, and George Hamilton add their formidable touch to this terrifying tale.

A Global Reach

Beyond the U.S., Searchlight Pictures plans to distribute 'Monitor' across the U.K. and Southeast Asia, promising to send shivers down spines worldwide. Searchlight Pictures president Matthew Greenfield praised the directors, stating, “Matt and Ryan have crafted a visceral, modern thriller that taps directly into our collective fear of what may lurk just out of view, at the edges of our screens.” With anticipation building, 'Monitor' is set to deliver a bone-chilling ride to audiences everywhere.