Shudders Acquires ‘The Cellar’ Ahead of SXSW Premiere

Written by John Edward Betancourt

In this grand digital age, where everyone is vying for our time and attention and clicks, consumers only want one thing from the companies that asked to be noticed… honesty. Because it’s easy to make whatever claims one wishes about what they offer and so many consumers have been burned by this, that sometimes it is easy to roll one’s eyes when the latest claim about ‘being the best’ comes along. But there is in fact, honesty out there on the internet and one such company lives up to its mantra and takes care of its customers and is as honest about what they offer… is Shudder.
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For they call themselves the premier streamer for horror and they’re right. Because the folks that work there, are constantly working to curate the best original programming to accompany the classics they host, and they are always in motion and working to bring us the best new original horror films out there. And for proof that Shudder puts its money where its zombie mouth is, look no further than today’s announcement. For once again, Shudder has acquired the rights to a fascinating horror film entitled, The Cellar, ahead of its SXSW premiere and well… here are all the details on this wonderful announcement, courtesy of the premier streamer for horror… Shudder.   

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, announced today the acquisition of The Cellar, from critically-acclaimed Irish writer-director Brendan Muldowney and starring Elisha Cuthbert and Eoin Macken, ahead of the film’s world premiere at SXSW. The film is also the closing film of FrightFest Glasgow. The Cellar will have a day-and-date premiere on April 15th, streaming exclusively on Shudder in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand with a U.S. theatrical release through RLJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks.  

Filmed on location in Roscommon, Ireland, The Cellar tells the story of Keira Woods (Cuthbert), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family’s souls forever.

“The Cellar is a riveting story that we think will appeal to both horror lovers and broader audiences alike, and we’re delighted to work with RLJE Films to bring it to the widest possible audience,” said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder, “Brendan and this talented team have crafted a dark and haunting tale that we’re excited to share with audiences this April.”

“Ever since we made the short film The Ten Steps, which The Cellar is based on, I have seen the profound effect and power it has had on audiences,” said Muldowney. “I am really excited to be working with Shudder and RLJE Films in bringing this feature-length version of the nightmare to a wider audience.”

The Cellar is an Irish/Belgian co-production with Conor Barry of Savage Productions and Richard Bolger of Hail Mary Pictures serving as producers.  It is co-produced with Benoit Roland from Wrong Men Films in Belgium.  Patrick Ewald of Epic Pictures Group, Lesley McKimm of Screen Ireland, John Gleeson and Oisín O’Neill for BCP Asset Management Sarah Dillon of the WRAP Fund and Patrick O’Neill of Wildcard Distribution are executive producers.  Production investment was provided by Screen Ireland, Epic Pictures, BCP Asset Management, The Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund / WRAP Fund and Wallimage, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance, VOO & BETV.’

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