The Weinsteins’ Radius nab rights to Cannes indie horror favorite It Follows

Radius TWC announced today that the company has nabbed U.S. rights to Cannes festival favorite horror film It Follows, written and directed by David Robert Mitchell (The Myth of the American Sleepover). It Follows recently screened at Cannes as part of Critics’ Week, where Radius also purchased When Animals Dream. The deal marks the second time Radius has picked up a movie considered the American favorite at Cannes after securing rights to breakout hit Blue Ruin last year.

In It Follows – after a strange sexual encounter – a teenager finds herself plagued by disturbing visions and the inescapable sense that something is following her. The film was produced by Rebecca Green, Laura D. Smith, Mitchell, David Kaplan and Erik Rommesmo. The cast includes Maika Monroe (Labor Day), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind of a Funny Story), Daniel Zovatto (Laggies), Jake Weary (Zombeavers), Olivia Luccardi (Girls) and Lili Sepe (Spork).

Radius has slated an early 2015 release.

For 19-year-old Jay (Monroe), the fall should be about school, boys and weekends at the lake. Yet, after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter she suddenly finds herself plagued by nightmarish visions; she can’t shake the sensation that someone, or something, is following her. As the threat closes in, Jay and her friends must somehow escape the horrors that are only a few steps behind.

With a riveting central performance from Monroe and a strikingly ominous electronic score by Disasterpeace, It Follows was universally praised after its premiere in Cannes.

Radius co-president Tom Quinn said about the film “American horror has an extraordinary new voice in David Robert Mitchell. It Follows is an inspired gift for horror fans everywhere. Both haunting and beautiful, it’s sure to be considered one of the best indie horror films in over a decade.”

Filmmaker David Robert Mitchell went on to say, “It’s great to be working with such a dynamic company like Radius. I’m really excited for audiences to see this film. I hope it leaves a lasting impression in the form of nightmares and a general sense of dread.”