EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired North American rights to horror film Recluse, the Tribeca title executive-produced by Spooky Pictures’ Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity).
The feature debut of writer-director Henry Chaisson (Servant), stars Sasha Frolova, Xander Berkeley, Toby Poser, Mia Vallet, Kimball Farley, and Frankie Seratch. Vertical will release the film theatrically in the first half of 2027.
The synopsis for the well-reviewed title reads: “After a fire leaves her estranged father injured, Joan (Frolova) begins hearing mysterious audio recordings related to her mother’s disappearance years earlier. Returning home, she works to piece together the mystery of her mother’s final days. Joan realizes that her mother’s vanishing meshes with a larger tapestry of tragedy that has plagued their family over the years. And the closer she gets to unearthing the truth, the more somebody else fights to keep it buried.”
Pic is a co-production between Points North and Restricted Pictures, which are currently in post on the genre project Night After Night. The film was produced by Josh Lobo, Gillian Cooper, Alex Dandino, Henry Chaisson, and Katharina Windemuth and executive-produced by Cailla O’Shea, Frankie Seratch, Sasha Frolova, and Steven Schneider.
The deal was negotiated by SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi and Manager of Acquisitions Rachel White on behalf of Vertical and by Mike Chapman from Blue Finch Films on behalf of the filmmakers.
“Making Recluse was an extraordinary journey alongside a truly exceptional cast and crew, and seeing it connect with audiences at Tribeca, Fantasia and FrightFest has been hugely rewarding,” stated Chaisson. “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Vertical to bring it to the big screen.”
“Recluse gets under your skin, then claws its way back out. Oh, and it leaves a scar,” added Schneider. “Henry Chaisson delivers the goods for Vertical, which has quietly become a new home for high-quality horror.”
“Henry, along with legendary horror producer Steven Schneider, has crafted a chilling, atmospheric thriller that will keep audiences on edge,” said Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey. “After strong festival showings including its world premiere at Tribeca, we’re thrilled to bring Recluse to theaters next year.”
Additional below-the-line talent includes cinematographer Bryce Holden, editors Chaisson and Nik Voytas, costume designer Katharina Windemuth, and production designer Yulanda Yo-Rong Shieh, with music by Chaisson.