By MICHAEL GINGOLD
Epic Pictures’ Dread division usually specializes in hardcore horror fare, but has something different on tap with its latest acquisition.
The distributor, which we revealed yesterday has AUTOMATION on the way, gave RUE MORGUE the scoop that it has taken U.S. rights to the supernatural drama FARE and added it to the Dread slate for release later this year. (Devilworks is handling foreign sales at the current Cannes Film Festival.) The film was directed by D.C. Hamilton from a script by Brinna Kelly, who also stars alongside Gino Anthony Pesi. The synopsis: “When a charming fare named Penny [Kelly] climbs into his taxicab, Harris [Pesi], her world-weary driver, finds himself engaged in the only kind of courtship he can have with a passenger—one that lasts as long as her trip. That is, right up until she disappears from the back seat without a trace. When confusion gives way to reality, he resets his meter and is instantaneously transported back to the moment when she climbed into his cab. As he and Penny find themselves trapped in an endless nighttime cab ride, with only each other for company, secrets will be revealed, truths will come to light, and Harris’ entire life will be changed forever.”
DREAD director of distribution Rob Galluzzo tells us, “I absolutely fell in love with this film in the same way the characters themselves fall in love with each other in the most unlikely of backdrops. THE FARE is a truly unique story reminiscent of a TWILIGHT ZONE episode, and veers in an unexpected, emotional direction. It’s not horror, but it does fit that desire to showcase different cinema via the Dread label, and I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Filmmakers Hamilton and Kelly say in a joint statement, “We are incredibly excited to be working with Rob and the entire Dread team. We can’t imagine a better partner or home for THE FARE. Their endless love of all things cinema and for the audience, coupled with their mission to bring daring, fun and original genre content to moviegoers and collectors everywhere, makes them a treasure in the world of indie cinema.” Stay tuned for details of THE FARE’s release.
