By MICHAEL GINGOLD

The indie horror veteran is taking his comeback movie nationwide.

Tempe Digital has announced that SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY (which we first told you about here), the first feature directed by J.R. Bookwalter (THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, POLYMORPH) in 23 years, will be given a roadshow release across the country beginning this month. Bookwalter is forgoing digital/streaming distribution for the foreseeable future, focusing on getting SIDE EFFECTS onto as many big screens and at as many festivals as possible. The complete current list of screenings can be seen below, along with the new trailer.

SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY, which Bookwalter directed, shot and edited, was written by and stars his longtime collaborator James L. Edwards. That cast also includes a number of other actors from Bookwalter’s past movies, including Tina Krause, Floyd Ewing Jr., Sasha Graham, Brinke Stevens, Tom Hoover and Michael Todd, along with Drew Fortier and a voice cameo by Debbie Rochon. The synopsis: “SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY tells the fictional story of a world gripped by a deadly pandemic, as science denier Glenn Rollins [Edwards] turns to an experimental vaccine as treatment for a lingering sickness. Much to the surprise of his doctor, wife, and friends, the remedy immediately fixes what ails him. But Glenn will soon discover the only thing more fatal than the virus…is the cure.”

Each stop on the roadshow will include giveaways, a pop-up shop with collectible merchandise and Blu-rays and DVDs of the filmmakers’ previous work, and a live post-show Q&A session with Bookwalter, Edwards and other special guests. For a limited time, attendees will receive a free surgical mask featuring full-color artwork from the movie’s poster.

Confirmed venues, dates and times are:

• January 27, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.: The Harris Theater, Pittsburgh, PA, with special guest Floyd Ewing Jr.
• January 28, 2024 – 7 p.m.: Midtown Cinema, Harrisburg, PA, presented by Moviate
• January 29, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.: PhilaMOCA, Philadelphia, PA
• January 30, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.: The Callicoon Theater, Callicoon, NY, with special guest Sasha Graham, presented by Heather Carlucci of Psychic Pool Party Podcast
• January 31, 2014 – 7 p.m.: Ralph’s Rock Diner, Worcester, MA, presented by No-Budget Cinema
• February 1, 2024 – 7 p.m.: The Ottobar, Baltimore, MD, presented by Mondo Baltimore
• February 10, 2024 – 9 p.m.: The Nightlight, Akron, OH
• February 17, 2024 – 6 p.m.: Englewood Cinema, Englewood, OH, double feature with THE DEAD NEXT DOOR
• February 24, 2024 – TBA: Collingwood Arts Center, Toledo, OH, double feature with THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, presented by Reel Vile Podcast
• March 12, 2024 – 6 p.m.: The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN
• March 13, 2024 – 7 p.m.: Screenland Armour, North Kansas City, MO
• March 14, 2024 – 7 p.m.: Tallgrass Film Center, Wichita, KS
• March 15, 2024 – 10:30 p.m.: The Guild Cinema, Albuquerque, NM
• March 24, 2024 – 7 p.m.: The Broad Theater, New Orleans, LA
• March 25, 2024 – TBA: The Texas Theatre, Dallas, TX, double feature (second title TBA)
• BONUS: March 26, 2024 – 9:30 p.m.: Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, Austin, TX, Terror Tuesday: THE DEAD NEXT DOOR with special guest J.R. Bookwalter
• March 29, 2024 – 8 p.m.: We Luv Video, Austin, TX
• April 6, 2024 – 7 p.m.: Special Screening TBA, Northeast OH
• June 28-29 – TBA: Weekend of Fear Festival (Official Selection), Erlangen, Germany

There will also be screenings at these locations, dates/times to be announced:

• The Beacon Cinema, Columbia City, WA
• Central Cinema, Knoxville, TN
• Hawthorne Theatre, Hawthorne, NJ
• The Lyric, Fort Collins, CO
• The Neon, Dayton, OH
• The Skyline Drive-In, Shelbyville, IN
• Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse, Columbus, OH