‘Ugly Cry’ Body Horror Film Finds a Home With Obscured Releasing

A new body horror nightmare is coming to theaters. Ugly Cry, the feature directorial debut of Emily Robinson (Eighth Grade), has been acquired for U.S. distribution by Obscured Releasing, according to Deadline.

The horror-comedy is expected to arrive in theaters this fall before releasing on digital platforms.

Written, directed, and starring Robinson, Ugly Cry follows a young Hollywood actress whose pursuit of perfection spirals into a disturbing battle with body dysmorphia as she struggles against impossible beauty standards in the age of social media.

The film stars Emily Robinson, Ryan Simpkins, Aaron Dominguez, and Robin Tunney.

Robinson described the film as an exploration of the fear and absurdity surrounding modern beauty culture.

“Ugly Cry contemplates the horror of having a body in the age of the internet. What’s scarier, cringier, and funnier than modern society?”

The filmmaker also praised the partnership with Obscured Releasing, noting that their collaboration began at SXSW and that the distributor understood the film’s unusual blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary.

Obscured Releasing praised Robinson’s debut, calling her a major new filmmaking talent and highlighting her sharp writing, layered performance, and direction as elements that give the film a Hitchcock-inspired thriller quality with a modern edge.

Blending body horror, dark humor, and a commentary on society’s obsession with appearance, Ugly Cry looks ready to deliver an unsettling and timely take on the pressures of beauty in the digital age.