Epic Pictures’ DREAD Label Sets Release Date for Revenge Slasher BYSTANDERS: “DREAD, L.A.-based distribution and financing company Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label, will be releasing the rape-revenge thriller, BYSTANDERS, in North America. The feature will be available for rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD) January 21, 2025. During the film’s festival run, the title garnered awards from Nightmares Film Festival and HorrorHound Film Festival. At HorrorHound it was nominated for 11 awards — winning seven, including Best Feature, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Supporting Performance (Garrett Murphy), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Judges Choice. Bystanders marks Mary Beth McAndrews’ directorial debut and stars Brandi Botkin, Bob Wilcox, Garrett Murphy, Jamie Alvey, Chaney Morrow and Hannah Fierman. Jamie Alvey also served as the film’s writer.
Uniquely positioned from a feminist point of view, the Bystanders synopsis reads: Clare and Gray are your typical loving millennial couple navigating a jaded world. Abby is a sweet awkward teen. When Abby attends a party held by her crush, a rich frat boy hotshot named Cody, the bash spins out of control when Cody and the boys decide to drug, rape, and hunt several of the girls in attendance. When Abby’s path intersects with Gray and Clare’s path, they form an unlikely alliance during a night of chaos and bloodshed as the trio fight for their lives against the collegiate creeps.
“Bystanders has been incredibly close to my heart since I first read Jamie Alvey’s script,” says the film’s director, Mary Beth McAndrews. “As a sexual assault survivor, being able to tell this story in all of its gory glory has been incredibly cathartic and liberating. A film like Bystanders is more important now than ever and I’m thrilled that Dread is helping us share it with the world.”
Epic Pictures Group CEO Patrick Ewald says, ‘Mary Beth McAndrews is a visionary in the world of horror, and Bystanders is a testament to her creativity and fearless storytelling. This film is not just a chilling experience; it’s a reflection of Mary Beth’s unique perspective and passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre.’ “
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DEATH OF A UNICORN: “A father (Paul Rudd) and daughter (Jenna Ortega) accidentally hit and kill a unicorn while en route to a weekend retreat, where his billionaire boss (Richard E. Grant) seeks to exploit the creature’s miraculous curative properties.”
STARRING
Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY
Alex Scharfman
IN THEATERS SPRING 2025
eVil Sublet: “In eVil Sublet, a seemingly perfect couple stumbles upon their dream apartment in New York City, drawn in by the remarkably low rent. But as they soon discover, the price may be higher than they anticipated. Haunted by vengeful spirits, they must navigate the chaos of their new home where laughter and terror collide. Featuring the legendary Sally Struthers in her first-ever horror film role, the movie blends humor and horror in a way that both pays homage to and subverts classic genre tropes.”
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