The horror movie “When Darkness Loves Us,” starring “Game of Thrones” actor Emilia Clarke, has landed on Bleecker Street. It is expected to be released in theaters sometime in 2027.
The film, written and directed by James Ashcroft, is based on the 1980s novel of the same name by Elizabeth Engstrom. The story is about a young woman (Clarke) who survives being trapped in an underground cave system for 15 years before returning to the surface to reclaim the family she believes is hers, “even at great cost,” according to the logline.
“The term ‘worldbuilding’ is overused, but the extent to which James and his team have built an underground world cannot be underestimated,” Bleecker CEO Kent Sanderson said in a statement. “This film is a true journey into darkness, both literally and figuratively, and we can’t wait to shock audiences around the world with James’ singular vision.”
When Darkness Loves Us, which co-stars Marlon Williams (Sweet Tooth), Victoria Pedretti (You) and Natasha McElhone (The Truman Show), has just finished filming in New Zealand. Ashcroft co-wrote the screenplay with Hayley Sproul and Eli Kent.
“My passion for Elizabeth Engstrom’s story is boundless, and bringing it to the screen is truly a gift,” said Ashcroft, whose credits include “Jenny Penn’s Rules” and the new Netflix thriller “The Whisperer.” “In When Darkness Loves Us, Liz never lets us forget that the actions of her characters are one after another tragic and monstrous, no matter how sympathetic. But it’s their haunting humanity that can’t be so easily shaken off afterwards, and that’s when we feel at home with them in the darkness.”
Bleecker’s agreement covers all territories around the world except New Zealand and Australia. The deal was negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers by Miranda King and Avy Echenasy for Bleecker Street and CAA Media Finance.
Bleecker Street’s recent releases include “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” and “Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience.” Upcoming titles are Adam Shankman’s “Stop! That! Train!” RuPaul and Alex Gibney star in the documentary “Musk.”
