Creepy Cannes Thriller IT FOLLOWS Picked Up For US Distribution

Amongst the dour period pieces and kitchen sink dramas about the injustices of capitalism that seem to litter the Cannes slate, there was this little gem of a horror/thriller from David Robert Mitchell that involved people following other people very, very slowly.

I liked It Follows quite a bit, writing:

The concept is beautifully simple, but its one of the pleasures of the film to find out just what's going on after the shocking opening sequence. Without being too vague, suffice it to say this is one of the more macabre games of tag in any genre film, with the added benefit of providing one of the more problematic of sexually transmitted concerns.

It Follows is one of those prime creepy films that works far better with a large and sympathetic audience, to be sure to check it out when you can at a theatre near you.

Press release is below:

New York, NY (June 3, 2014) - RADiUS announced today that it has acquired U.S. rights to the critical horror hit IT FOLLOWS written and directed by David Robert Mitchell (THE MYTH OF THE AMERICAN SLEEPOVER) that recently screened in Cannes as part of Critics' Week (RADiUS also bought WHEN ANIMALS DREAM out of Critics' Week). In IT FOLLOWS - after a strange sexual encounter - a teenager finds herself plagued by disturbing visions and the inescapable sense that something is following her.

This will be the second time RADiUS has picked up the American favorite at Cannes after securing rights to breakout hit BLUE RUIN last year.

Financed by Animal Kingdom and Northern Lights, the film was produced by Rebecca Green, Laura D. Smith, Mitchell, David Kaplan and Erik Rommesmo. IT FOLLOWS features an up and coming ensemble cast that includes Maika Monroe (LABOR DAY), Keir Gilchrist (IT'S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY), Daniel Zovatto (LAGGIES), Jake Weary (ZOMBEAVERS), Olivia Luccardi ("Girls") and Lili Sepe (SPORK).

RADiUS has slated a first quarter 2015 release. 

For 19-year-old Jay (Monroe), the fall should be about school, boys and weekends at the lake. Yet, after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter she suddenly finds herself plagued by nightmarish visions; she can't shake the sensation that someone, or something, is following her. As the threat closes in, Jay and her friends must somehow escape the horrors that are only a few steps behind.

With a riveting central performance from Monroe and a strikingly ominous electronic score by Disasterpeace, IT FOLLOWS was universally praised after its premiere in Cannes.

According to RADiUS co-president Tom Quinn: "American horror has an extraordinary new voice in David Robert Mitchell. IT FOLLOWS is an inspired gift for horror fans everywhere. Both haunting and beautiful, it's sure to be considered one of the best indie horror films in over a decade."

David Robert Mitchell goes on to say: "It's great to be working with such a dynamic company like RADiUS. I'm really excited for audiences to see this film. I hope it leaves a lasting impression in the form of nightmares and a general sense of dread."   

Quinn and Janego negotiated the deal with Cinetic - in conjunction with Jen Dana - on behalf of the filmmakers.