SHUDDER ACQUIRES OFFICIAL FANTASIA FESTIVAL SELECTION MOLOCH
NEW YORK – May 18, 2021 – Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired rights to Dutch director Nico van den Brink’s directorial debut Moloch. The film, an official selection of the Fantasia International Film Festival, will be available exclusively on Shudder in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, July 21.
“Moloch is a bold and thrilling new folk horror that is sure to chill Shudder members this summer,” said Shudder general manager Craig Engler.
Added Nico van den Brink, ”I’m extremely excited to be working with Shudder in bringing Moloch to horror-lovers worldwide. The film will have a wonderful home there. I know we have some very creepy stories to tell in the Netherlands and I’m really looking forward to inviting Shudder’s diverse and international audience into the unique world of local Dutch folklore.”
In Moloch, 38-year-old Betriek lives at the edge of a peat bog in the North of the Netherlands. When she and her family are attacked by a random stranger one night, Betriek sets out to find an explanation. The more she digs, the more she becomes convinced that she is being hunted by something ancient.
Written by van den Brink and Daan Bakker, Moloch stars Sallie Harmsen (Blade Runner 2049, Catch) and Alexandre Willaume (The Wheel of Time, The Last Kingdom) and is produced by Sabine Brian and Ronald Versteeg. XYZ Films are Executive Producers and handle worldwide sales on the project.
The deal was negotiated by XYZ Film’s Pip Ngo on behalf of the filmmakers, and Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder.
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
About XYZ Films
XYZ Films is an independent studio whose mission is to empower visionary storytellers from every corner of the planet. XYZ was founded in 2008 by Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer and Aram Tertzakian and has expanded in recent years into documentary, talent management, and distribution. Some of the company’s classic titles include THE RAID franchise, 2017 Sundance winner I DON’T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE, and Panos Cosmatos’ psychedelic revenge thriller MANDY.
XYZ’s current projects include THE BLACK KAISER starring Mads Mikkelsen, HOUNDS OF WAR starring Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Rhona Mitra, and the Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead film SOMETHING IN THE DIRT which premiered at Sundance 2022. Its current slate also includes Nic Cassavetes’ GOD IS A BULLET starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe and Jamie Foxx, NOCEBO directed by Lorcan Finnegan with Eva Green and Mark Strong, and ACCUSED from BAFTA-nominated BOILING POINT director Phillip Barantini. XYZ is in post-production on the Netflix Original HAVOC, directed by Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy and Forrest Whitaker.
NEW SERIES, FILMS, SPECIALS AND MORE NOW STREAMING ON AMC NETWORKS’ SUITE OF TARGETED STREAMING SERVICES THIS JUNE
New York, NY — May 21, 2021 – This June, AMC Networks’ targeted streaming services will bring viewers an extensive catalogue of compelling dramas, fan-favorite franchises, highly-anticipated films and timely collections on AMC+, Acorn TV, ALLBLK, Shudder and Sundance Now.
Highlights from across the suite of services include (in alphabetical and chronological order):
On ACORN TV:
Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries (Acorn TV Original)
First Two Episodes of Season 2 Premiere Monday, June 7
A spinoff of the Australian sensation Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, the swinging 1960s crime series follows the fearless and spirited Peregrine Fisher (Logie Award-nominated Geraldine Hakewill, Wanted), the niece of world-class adventuress and private detective Phryne Fisher, as she inherits a windfall from her famous aunt and sets out to become an exceptional sleuth in her own right.
The Real Manhunter (Acorn TV Exclusive)
Premieres Monday, June 14
Recently portrayed by Martin Clunes in the hit Acorn TV Original drama Manhunt, former Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton and his cases are featured in this new series exploring the crimes themselves and the breakthrough moments when a suspect was identified and arrested.
The Sommerdahl Murders (Acorn TV Exclusive)
Season 2 Premieres Monday, June 21
Based on Anna Grue’s bestselling crime mysteries, with an engaging blue-sky take on the successful Nordic genre. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Sommerdahl (Peter Mygind, Darkness-Those Who Kill) investigates murders in a lovely Danish coastal town with his best friend, Detective Flemming Torp (André Babikian, The Protectors), and his wife, Marianne (Laura Drasbæk, Park Road), a criminal technician.
Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in world class dramas, mysteries and comedies from Britain and beyond, including Midsomer Murders, Manhunt, and My Life is Murder. Acorn.tv
On ALLBLK:
Stuck with You (ALLBLK Original)
Season 2 Continues Every Thursday
Storybook celebrity couple Candace (Tammy Townsend, K.C. Undercover) and Luvell (Timon Kyle Durrett, Queen Sugar) finally decide to move forward with their separation – that is until a new celebrity couple on the scene threatens to take their throne, diminish their brand, and rob them out of a career defining opportunity. Featuring special guest appearances by Vivica Fox (Empire), Shanice, AJ Johnson (House Party), Kenny Lattimore, and more.
Beyond the Pole (ALLBLK and WE tv Original)
Season 2 Premieres Monday, June 7
Atlanta’s hottest dancers transition from working in the club to life Beyond the Pole. Friendships are tested, finances are strapped, but together these ladies hustle to move Beyond the Pole.
A Closer Look (ALLBLK Original)
Episode 4 Premieres Thursday, June 10
Music documentary series that profiles R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop artists whose song(s) have and continues to top the billboard charts and re-shape the music industry. Each episode features a one-on-one sit-down interview with the artist and producer and highlight music videos/live performances, studio sessions, archival interviews, B-roll footage, and guest interviews. This episode features singer-songwriter, Marsha Ambrosius.
ALLBLK is an invitation to a world of streaming entertainment that is inclusively, but unapologetically – Black. Featuring a diverse lineup of content that spans across genres and generations, the ALLBLK library includes exclusive original series such as Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy, A House Divided, and Double Cross; must-see independent films, nostalgic Black cinema, popular network TV, lively stage plays, and so much more. www.ALLBLK.tv
On AMC+:
Portlandia
Full Series Binge Available Beginning Thursday, June 10
Fan favorite Peabody and Emmy-Award-winning IFC Original series, starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, will be available for a full series binge.
Fear the Walking Dead
Early Access to New Episodes Every Thursday with the Season Finale on June 10
Critically acclaimed 6th season continues every Thursday ahead of the Sunday television broadcast on AMC. In the season finale, everyone desperately scrambles to live out the coming destruction on their own terms.
Kevin Can F**k Himself
First Two Episodes Premiere Sunday, June 13
New dark comedy follows the story of Allison McRoberts (Annie Murphy, Schitt’s Creek), a woman we all grew up believing we knew: the prototypical Sitcom Wife. She’s beautiful and can take a joke (though she’s usually the butt of them). But what happens when we follow Allison out of her husband’s domain? When she finally wakes up to—and revolts against—the injustices in her life?
Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty
New Episodes Continue Every Saturday
Narrated by BAFTA-winning actor Bill Nighy, BBC America’s compelling saga continues the heartstring-tugging, dramatic tale of survival revolving around three families of meerkats who are descendants of the legendary meerkat matriarch, Flower.
AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming and offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, The Salisbury Poisonings, Cold Courage, Spy City and forthcoming dramas Too Close, The Beast Must Die and Kin. AMC+
On SHUDDER:
Caveat (Shudder Original Film)
Premieres Thursday, June 3
When a lone drifter with partial memory loss, Isaac, accepts a job to look after his landlord’s niece, Olga, for a few days, it all seems like easy money, but there is a caveat; he must wear a leather harness and chain that restricts his movements to certain rooms. Trapped and at the mercy of Olga, Isaac begins to discover secrets in the house that coincide with the terrifying resurgence of his own memory. Starring Jonathan French, Leila Sykes and Ben Caplan.
The Amusement Park (Shudder Exclusive Film)
Premieres Tuesday, June 8
Recently discovered and restored in 4k 46 years after its completion by the George A. Romero Foundation, the film stars Martin’s Lincoln Maazel as an elderly man who finds himself disoriented and increasingly isolated as the pains, tragedies and humiliations of aging in America are manifested through roller coasters and chaotic crowds.
Vicious Fun (Shudder Original Film)
Premieres Tuesday, June 29
Joel, a caustic 1980’s film critic for a national horror magazine, finds himself unwittingly trapped in a self-help group for serial killers. With no other choice, Joel attempts to blend in with his homicidal surroundings or risk becoming the next victim. Directed by Cody Calahan. Starring Evan Marsh, Amber Goldfarb, Ari Millen, Julian Richings, Robert Maillet, Sean Baek, David Koechner, Alexa Rose Steele, Mark Gibson, Kristopher Bowman and John Fray.
Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. www.shudder.com
On SUNDANCE NOW:
The Gulf (Sundance Now Exclusive)
Season 2 Premieres Thursday, June 3
Detective Jess Savage (Kate Elliott, Wentworth) tries to leave the past behind and make the most of her tentative new relationship with daughter Ruby (Timmie Cameron, Shortland Street) – but a blackmailer is making that impossible.
Moloch (Sundance Now Exclusive)
Premieres Thursday, June 10
Set in an industrial, labyrinthine seaside town, strangers are suddenly bursting into flames for no reason. Suicides? Murders? Supernatural phenomena? To find out, Louise (Marine Vacth), an ambitious and unstable journalist, and Gabriel (Oliver Gourmet), a brilliant psychiatrist mourning his son, lead the investigation.
Innocent (Sundance Now Exclusive)
Season 2 Premieres Thursday, June 24
Sally’s (Katherine Kelly, Cheat, Criminal: UK) conviction is overturned, and she’s found not guilty. She’s spent the last 5 years in prison for the murder of a 14-year-old boy – once her pupil. Now a free woman, life in her hometown has moved on. Can she find the real killer and prove her innocence?
Sundance Now offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world, including The Bureau, Des, and Discovery of Witches. SundanceNow.com
FRENCH FANTASY THRILLER MOLOCH PREMIERES IN U.S. EXCLUSIVELY ON SUNDANCE NOW
All 6 Episodes to Stream Beginning Thursday, June 10
In a labyrinthine industrial seaside town in the north of France, random people spontaneously combust for no reason. Suicide? Murder? Supernatural phenomenon? Sundance Now’s new intriguing, hard-hitting fantasy thriller Moloch, explores this series of unexplained occurrences while questioning the excesses of our society and the birth of violence. Moloch will premiere as a binge with all six episodes on Thursday, June 10, exclusively in the U.S. and Canada on Sundance Now and the AMC+ streaming bundle. (French, with English subtitles)
To investigate this mystery, Louise (Marine Vacth, Jeune et Jolie), an ambitious and troubled young journalist, joins forces with Gabriel (Olivier Gourmet, Le Fils), a respected psychiatrist who carries the grief of his son’s death. Soon, six fiery letters start to turn up as graffiti on the city walls like a signature adjacent to the deaths: “MOLOCH,” the ancient god of sacrifice. Louise and Gabriel must embark on a terrifying journey to the heart of their own personal hell, in order to get to the truth – at the risk of getting burned themselves.
Awarded best screenplay at the Canneseries TV Festival in October 2020, Moloch was created and directed by Arnaud Malherbe, and written by Malherbe and Marion Festraëts – the team behind France 2’s hit Chefs from 2015. The thriller is a production of Calt Studio, Arte France, and Belga Productions, and premiered October 22, 2020 on Arte in France.
Episode Synopses
Episode 1– A man catches fire in an office building, in a blaze that starts without cause or contact, and kills him in less than a minute. 25-year-old reporter Louise (Vacth), fresh out of an internship at the local newspaper, and the survivor of a checkered past, feels she has everything to prove and nothing to lose, and throws herself into investigating the mysterious self-combustion. She gets close to the police detective in charge of the case, Tom (Arnaud Valois, BPM-Beats Per Minute), and approaches local psychiatrist Gabriel (Gourmet). Meanwhile, Gabriel resumes working with a patient, a bus driver, Jimmy (Marc Zinga, The Mercy of the Jungle), whose apocalyptic predictions seem strangely related to the burning man.
Episode 2– Another victim spontaneously combusts: a mother who burns to death in front of her own child. While Gabriel tries to distinguish truth from fiction in Jimmy’s mystical rantings, Louise, still in the hot seat at the newspaper, cunningly attempts to get closer to Gabriel to get information out of him.
Episode 3– As Gabriel goes to question Jimmy in the housing project where he lives, he witnesses the spontaneous combustion of three local thugs. Meanwhile, hoping the graffiti will somehow lead her to Moloch, Louise reconnects with a network of dangerous punks and anarchists.
Episode 4– Louise and Gabriel realize they both slipped to the point of putting themselves in danger. Meanwhile, in the city, the three housing project deaths have triggered riots, and the population is facing the threat of a violence that feels inevitable.
Episode 5– Louise integrates Moloch’s manifesto into an article she writes for her newspaper. Gabriel sinks into his hallucinations and begins to fear that he played a role in his son’s death.
Episode 6 – While a march is organized in support of the burning victims, the city is divided between supporters and detractors of Moloch. Louise locks herself in a hotel room to escape the punishment that awaits her. Gabriel, who has discovered what bound him to Moloch, is hesitant about what to do next.
About Sundance Now:
AMC Networks’ streaming service Sundance Now is for culture craving TV watchers looking for their next series to obsess over and offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world, all streaming commercial-free. Exclusive new programs are added every week. Sundance Now has exclusively premiered several distinctive, critically acclaimed Sundance Now Original Series, including supernatural thriller A Discovery of Witches; glamorous thriller Riviera starring Julia Stiles; critically acclaimed French spy thriller crime drama The Bureau; and Swedish period drama The Restaurant, as well as Sundance Now Exclusives, such as British true crime thriller Des starring David Tennant; Australian drama Upright starring Tim Minchin; and Australian psychological thriller The Secrets She Keeps; and riveting true crime series The Suspect, The Dakota Entrapment Tapes, No One Saw A Thing, Killing for Love and The Night Caller.
AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, Riviera and Boyhood. Currently available to Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV channels, Roku Channels, Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, DISH, Sling TV and YouTube TV customers, AMC+ features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, including fan favorites Mad Men, Rectify, Orphan Black, Hell on Wheels, NOS4A2 and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, The Salisbury Poisonings, Cold Courage, Spy City and forthcoming dramas Too Close and Kin.
