By MICHAEL GINGOLD
It’s about a dating competition the contestants might not survive.
Votiv has announced that it is producing a feature-film adaptation of Samantha Allen’s horror/comedy novel PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE. Sophia Takal (pictured), whose credits include ALWAYS SHINE, the NEW ME, NEW YOU installment of Blumhouse’s INTO THE DARK series and 2019’s BLACK CHRISTMAS, is directing from a script she co-wrote with her SHINE collaborator Lawrence Michael Levine. The synopsis: “PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE follows the final four contestants on a reality TV dating show as they arrive on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, prepared for another week of sleep deprivation, invasive interviews, and salacious drama. Each has her own reason for joining ‘The Catch’–brand sponsorships, followers, even love–but none are prepared for Patricia, a misunderstood local living alone in the island’s dense woods. When the cast and crew finally encounter her on the island’s highest peak, they realize that survival, not romance, may be the real prize. A sharp satire of American media culture, the novel blends slasher thrills, queer romance, and last-girl-standing suspense.” (Despite the “slasher” description, the book cover below offers a hint as to the nature of what dwells on this mountain.)
“PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE offers a unique opportunity to explore the tension between our civilized personas and our wilder, more authentic selves through a horror lens,” Takal says. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to adapt it for the screen with Samantha, Votiv and, of course, the most talented guy in Hollywood, Lawrence Michael Levine.”
“We were immediately captivated by PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE’s darkly funny, inventive take on horror and sharp commentary on society and media culture,” say Votiv’s Brent Stiefel and Justin Lothrop. “We’re especially eager to amplify Sophia’s vision and bring Patricia’s world to life in a way that’s both socially resonant and bold.”
“I’ve always wanted to find a team who can honor PATRICIA while truly making her their baby,” says Allen. “Sophia, Lawrence, and Votiv understand what makes the novel unique without being afraid to improve on the foundation.”
