SXSW 2011: IFC Midnight Picks Up KILL LIST

Kill List had its world premiere at SXSW on Saturday night at midnight, and less than 48 hours later, IFC Midnight announced its acquisition of North American rights to the film. 

Directed by Ben Wheatley (Down Terrace), the story picks up in the middle of a fraying marriage that is all the more precarious because the husband is a hit man. Neil Maskell stars as the husband, with MyAnna Buring as his wife and Michael Smiley as his partner.

The film is a power house. As I wrote in my review:

Kill List is a film that almost certainly demands and will reward a second viewing, if nothing else to fully appreciate what Wheatley is doing here, combining a seething dramatic atmosphere where naturalistic conversational exchanges arise, with blunt passion and actions that reflect the inner turmoil of the characters.

IFC Midnight's model is to combine a limited theatrical release with nationwide availability via VOD, which is probably an ideal scenario for Kill List, similar to how Down Terrace was handled by Magnolia last year. It certainly isn't the easiest film to describe without giving away more than necessary. Here's the official synopsis:

Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier turned contract killer Jay (Maskell), is pressured by his partner Gal (Smiley), into taking a new assignment. The film follows as they descend into the dark, disturbing world of the contract, Jay begins to unravel once again -- his fear and paranoia sending him deep into the heart of darkness.

Kill List screens once more at SXSW on Thursday, March 17 at Alamo South Lamar. We'll keep at eye out for North American release dates as well.