Movies - Blackout  : Dark Sky Films Unveils a Werewolf Thriller by Larry Fessenden

By Mulder, 16 february 2024

Dark Sky Films proudly announces the upcoming theatrical and digital/VOD release of Blackout, the highly anticipated film from independent horror master Larry Fessenden. The thriller, set to open in a one-week exclusive NYC theatrical engagement at the IFC Center on March 13th, will be followed by a nationwide digital and VOD release on April 12th.

BLlackout, a modern-day werewolf thriller, explores the story of Charley, a fine arts painter (played by Alex Hurt), convinced that he is a werewolf wreaking havoc on a small American town. The film promises to deliver a chilling and thought-provoking experience, marking the reunion of Dark Sky Films and Glass Eye Pix, two iconic companies renowned for producing some of the greatest genre films of our time.

Director Larry Fessenden, known for creating original and memorable independent horror films over the past 25 years, has assembled an impressive cast for Blackout. The lineup includes Alex Hurt, Addison Timlin, Motell Gyn Foster, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, Ella Rae Peck, Rigo Garay, John Speredakos, Michael Buscemi, Jeremy Holm, Joe Swanberg, James Le Gros, Kevin Corrigan, Marshall Bell, and Barbara Crampton.

Following its debut at the IFC Center on March 13th, featuring special cast appearances and a Q&A session, Blackout will be available nationwide on digital platforms and VOD starting April 12th. The film has already earned rave reviews on the festival circuit, cementing its status as a modern masterpiece that skillfully explores the intersection of classic monsters and contemporary societal struggles.

Larry Fessenden's storytelling prowess, combined with outstanding performances and atmospheric imagery, elevates Blackout beyond the confines of genre expectations. The film's 103-minute runtime promises an immersive and haunting exploration of humanity's struggle against its internal and external monsters.

Blackout is produced by James Felix McKenney, Chris Ingvordsen, and Larry Fessenden, with music by Will Bates and cinematography by Collin Brazie. 

Synopsis: 
Painter Charley (Alex Hurt, Minyan, TV's New Amsterdam) wakes up in an upstate motel where he appears to have been living for some time. After he packs and leaves he encounters various people in the small town where everybody knows your name. Charley is saying goodbye to the estranged love of his life, Sharon (Addison Timlin, Submission, TV's American Horror Stories), and settling his affairs with a manic urgency that culminates with a call to a friend, Earl (Motell Gyn Foster, Marriage Story, A Dog's Way Home), saying: You better be ready, I'm coming. But Charley never makes it to his friend's house: When the sun goes down he has convulsions while driving his car, goes off the road and ends up in a ditch. Charley, it seems, is a werewolf. He attacks his rescuers and moves through the outskirts of town at night wreaking havoc. But the next day he can't remember the things he's done. Now the tight-knit town must rally to find out what is tearing it apart: mistrust, fear, or a vicious monster.

Blackout
Written and directed by Larry Fessenden
Produced by James Felix McKenney, Chris Ingvordsen, Larry Fessenden
Starring Alex Hurt, Addison Timlin, Motell Gyn Foster, Joseph Castillo-Midyett, Ella Rae Peck, Rigo Garay, John Speredakos, Michael Buscemi, Jeremy Holm, Joe Swanberg, Kevin Corrigan, Barbara Crampton, James Le Gros, Marshall Bell
Music by Will Bates
Cinematography : Collin Brazie
Production companies : Glass Eye Pix
Distributed by Dark Sky Films
Release date : March 13 2024 (United States)
Running time : 103 minutes