What's Happening?
New Zealand director James Ashcroft's horror film 'When Darkness Loves Us' is set to begin international sales at the Cannes Film Market. The film, starring Emilia Clarke, Victoria Pedretti, Marlon Williams, and Natascha McElhone, is adapted from Elizabeth
Engstrom's 1980s novella. It follows a woman who survives 15 years trapped in an underground cave and returns to reclaim her family. Cornerstone will handle international sales outside Australia and New Zealand, with Bleecker Street representing sales. The film's principal photography has wrapped in New Zealand, and a U.S. release is planned for 2027.
Why It's Important?
The film's entry into the Cannes Film Market highlights the growing international interest in horror films and the potential for New Zealand cinema to reach global audiences. With Emilia Clarke leading a strong cast, the film is expected to resonate with international viewers, potentially boosting the profiles of the actors involved and the production companies. The adaptation of a cult novella also underscores the trend of revisiting classic literature for modern cinematic interpretations, which can attract both fans of the original work and new audiences.
What's Next?
Following its debut at Cannes, 'When Darkness Loves Us' will likely see increased interest from distributors and audiences, leading to potential deals for wider release. The film's success could pave the way for more international collaborations and adaptations of lesser-known literary works. As the film approaches its U.S. release in 2027, marketing efforts will likely intensify to build anticipation and maximize box office performance.
