Movies
‘Blackout’: Larry Fessenden’s Upcoming Werewolf Thriller Arriving in 2024, Courtesy of Dark Sky Films
Larry Fessenden, the visionary behind films such as ‘Wendigo,’ ‘Habit,’ and ‘Depraved,’ is set to return with a thrilling new werewolf horror movie entitled ‘Blackout.’ The Hollywood Reporter (THR) has recently revealed that ‘Blackout’ has secured its North American rights with Dark Sky Films, and the film is scheduled to hit theaters and digital platforms in the first quarter of 2024.
This collaboration marks the second partnership between Glass Eye Pix, Fessenden’s New York-based production company, and Yellow Veil Pictures, following their successful collaboration on the global sales of Fessenden’s 2019 film ‘Depraved,’ which was released by IFC Midnight in the United States.
‘Blackout’ introduces us to Charley (Alex Hurt), a small-town artist grappling with inner torment. His frequent bouts of heavy drinking blur with a growing suspicion that he might be a werewolf. In an attempt to protect his loved ones, Charley begins to distance himself and falls deeper into isolation. His horrifying nocturnal deeds resurface as haunting memories, brought to life through his artwork.
This movie is the third installment in Fessenden’s monster trilogy, following ‘Habit’ (centered on vampires) and ‘Depraved’ (an exploration of the Frankenstein theme). Fessenden’s work consistently delves into the human experience and the monsters that reside within all of us, often employing practical effects to heighten the horror. In addition to Alex Hurt, the film features a talented cast including Addison Timlin, James LeGros, Kevin Corrigan, Barbara Crampton, Joe Swanberg, and many others.
Larry Fessenden, celebrated as a recipient of the 1997 Someone to Watch Spirit Award, is a multifaceted filmmaker and actor based in New York. He is the founder and CEO of Glass Eye Pix, known for producing acclaimed independent films such as Kelly Reichardt’s ‘River of Grass’ (1994) and ‘Wendy and Lucy’ (2003), as well as Ti West’s initial four features. Beyond his contributions to the Monsterverse, Fessenden has written and directed psychological horror films like ‘Wendigo’ (2001), featuring Patricia Clarkson, and ‘The Last Winter’ (2006), led by Ron Perlman. He has also made appearances in over 100 films, including an upcoming role in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’
‘Blackout’ is produced by Fessenden himself, along with long-time collaborator and filmmaker James Felix McKenney, indie veteran Chris Ingvordsen, and newcomer Gaby Leyner as co-producer.
Fessenden shared his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I am interested in finding new truths in the classic monster tropes of my youth. The essence of each creature dictates the milieu of the film, and of course, the werewolf is both out of control and regretful, so that duality shaped my story. I am excited to work with Yellow Veil again; they understand my filmmaking and have been fierce advocates.”