By MICHAEL GINGOLD
Arrow Films has picked up the spiritual chiller for the U.S., UK and Eire.
Arrow has made the announcement that it will bring THE RIGHTEOUS to digital platforms in the above-mentioned regions this summer, along with a deluxe collector’s edition Blu-ray. It will also issue that disc in Canada, with Vortex Media handling theatrical and digital release in the Great White North. Shot in black and white, THE RIGHTEOUS marks the feature writing/directing debut of actor Mark O’Brien (READY OR NOT), who discusses the movie here and also stars alongside READY’s Henry Czerny, Mimi Kuzyk, Mayko Nguyen, Kate Corbett and Nigel Bennett. The synopsis: “THE RIGHTEOUS tells the story of Frederic [Czerny], a grieving man struggling with his faith, who helps an injured young man, Aaron Smith [O’Brien], who stumbles onto his property one night, claiming to be lost in the woods. Frederic and his wife [Kuzyk] invite the man to stay for the night, but Frederic soon begins to have doubts about this enigmatic stranger’s story–and his motives for being there. When Aaron asks Frederic to commit an unspeakable deed, it becomes clear that the man is not who he seems, and has been sent to test the very limits of Frederic’s existence.” THE RIGHTEOUS world-premiered at last year’s Fantasia International Film Festival, winning the Cheval Noir and Silver Award, and went on to win a Bloodie at the 2021 Blood in the Snow Film Festival and the Grimmfest Award at last year’s Grimmfest.
“As a dedicated fan of Arrow Films,” O’Brien says, “I am beyond thrilled to be partnering with them on my debut feature film and continuing my relationship with Vortex Media. Arrow Films are a filmmaker and cinephile’s dream. It’s an honor to be a part of their tremendous catalog.”
Says Arrow director of content Francesco Simeoni, “We’re delighted to be working with Vortex Media and the RIGHTEOUS creative team on the forthcoming release. Mark O’Brien has put together a highly impressive debut with strong performances from himself and his stars. We knew upon seeing it at Fantasia that it would be perfect for Arrow fans.” Adds Vortex Media CEO Justin Rebelo, “Vortex has supported THE RIGHTEOUS from the script stage and are elated to have partnered with the wonderful team at Arrow Films to release what is a fantastic, visionary work by Mark O’Brien. We look forward to continuing the film’s journey sharing the film with audiences after the warm response from Fantasia, Grimmfest and Blood in the Snow.”
