Rod Blackhurst’s Horror Film ‘Dolly’ Lands Distribution Deal With Shudder, Independent Film Company Ahead of AFM (EXCLUSIVE)

Shudder and Independent Film Company have closed a deal for Rod Blackhurst‘s horror film “Dolly” covering North American, U.K., Ireland and Australia-New Zealand territories, with plans for a theatrical release next year.

The film centers on Macy, a young woman fighting to survive after being taken by a monstrous figure intent on raising her as its child. Critics have noted its blend of New French Extremity aesthetics with 1970s American horror sensibilities.

The ensemble includes Fabianne Therese, Seann William Scott, Ethan Suplee, Russ Tiller, Kate Cobb and Michalina Scorzelli. Former NWA TV Champion Max the Impaler, also known as The Non-Binary Nightmare, makes their film debut in the title role.

The Witchcraft Motion Picture Company production, which earned strong reviews at Fantastic Fest and Sitges Film Festival, marks another genre project for Blackhurst, the Emmy and Critics Choice-nominated filmmaker behind “Blood For Dust” and Netflix’s “Amanda Knox” documentary. He also co-wrote Universal and Blumhouse’s “Night Swim” with Bryce McGuire.

Blackhurst wrote the screenplay with Brandon Weavil. Ross O’Connor produces alongside Noah Lang and Blackhurst through Witchcraft Motion Picture Company, with Set Point Entertainment, Grim Discoveries, Gentile Entertainment Group, Monarque Entertainment and Mama Bear Studios attached. Additional producers include Joseph P. Grano, Betty Tong, Esteban Sanchez, McGuire, Isaiah Smallman and cast members Therese, Scott and Suplee.

Samuel Zimmerman negotiated the acquisition for Independent Film Company and Shudder, while Blue Finch Films represented the filmmakers.

Steven Schneider, whose credits include “Paranormal Activity” and “Insidious,” executive produces with Matt Patterson, Barry Large, Bobby Campbell, Sinan Germirli, Scorzelli, Rudy Mawer, Cam Doody, Jared Houghton, Travis Truitt, Anthony and John Gentile, Mike Chapman, Fatima Hayward, Antonio D’Intino, Lawrence Dossche and John Neumann.

“‘Dolly’ is a grotesque, beautiful backwoods nightmare,” said Zimmerman, senior VP of programming and acquisitions. “Rod Blackhurst and team transcend their influences to create a beguiling, terrifying new monster; one to love and definitely fear.”

“‘Dolly’ is both the exact kind of relentless uncompromising genre filmmaking we grew up loving and a testament to what Witchcraft as a studio understands is possible and most important right now; creating original IP and making films that audiences want,” added Blackhurst. “Truly independent, thematically rich, and created with care and craft. ‘Dolly’ is here to stay and we are excited for everyone to see the first chapter in an expansive horrifying universe.”

Witchcraft Motion Picture Company’s slate includes Amblin’s “The White Room,” Carter Smith’s “Swallowed,” Peacock series “John Wayne Gacy: The Devil in Disguise” and Independent Spirit Award nominee “This is Not a War Story.” The company is prepping Blackhurst’s action thriller “Die By Night” while completing post-production on sci-fi film “Into the Sky,” starring Sam Richardson and David Cross, and drama “Ruby Road,” executive produced by Rosario Dawson.

Blue Finch’s international lineup includes Fantasia selections “Hellcat” and “Hold The Fort,” plus horror sci-fi “Affection” with Jessica Rothe.