Out of Darkness | |
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Directed by | Andrew Cumming |
Screenplay by | Ruth Greenberg |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Cinematography | Ben Fordesman |
Edited by | Paolo Pandolpho |
Music by | Adam Janota Bzowski |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Signature Entertainment |
Release date |
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Running time | 87 minutes[1] |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Out of Darkness is a 2022 British horror film directed by Andrew Cumming in his feature length debut and starring Safia Oakley-Green and Chuku Modu. The film was nominated for five awards at the 2023 British Independent Film Awards, winning best breakthrough performance for Oakley-Green. The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 6, 2022.
Synopsis
45,000 years ago a stone-age community is trying to defend itself against a mysterious enemy.[2]
Cast
- Safia Oakley-Green as Beyah
- Chuku Modu as Adem
- Kit Young as Geirr
- Iola Evans as Ave
- Luna Mwezi as Heron
- Arno Luening as Odal
Production
Speaking to Screen Daily in 2021, Cumming called the project “a paleolithic horror film”. He had first discussed the idea for the film with producer Oliver Kassman in 2015 and the pair invited Ruth Greenberg on board to script the project.[3]
The film was produced by Kassman for Escape Plan and executive produced by David Kaplan and Sam Intili on behalf of Animal Kingdom. It was co-produced by Wendy Griffin of Selkie Productions. Financing came from Screen Scotland and the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery.[4]
Principal photography took place during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in November 2020 around Gairloch in Scotland. The production company hired out the Gairloch Hotel and all filming took place within a mile of the venue.[5]
Release
Out of Darkness (then titled The Origin) had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.[6] The film has its Scotland premiere on March 5, 2023 as part of the 2023 Glasgow Film Festival.[7] In May 2023, it was reported that Bleecker Street acquired North American rights from Stage 6 Films.[8] Shortly after, Signature Entertainment bought United Kingdom and Irish rights, planning to release it later that year.[9] In October 2023, Bleecker Street scheduled a theatrical release for 9 February 2024.[10]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 17 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.5/10.[11]
Accolades
The film received multiple nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, including best debut director for Cumming, best breakthrough for Oakley-Green, best music for Adam Janota Bzowski, best hair and make up for Niamh Morrison, and best debut screenplay for Ruth Greenberg.[12] Safia Oakley-Green won the British Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performance on the night.[13]
References
- ↑ "The Origin: London Review". Screen Daily.
- ↑ "Buzzy Stone Age Horror 'The Origin' Tells Timeless Tale of Human Brutality, Unveils First Clip (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety.
- ↑ "Stars of Tomorrow 2021: Andrew Cumming (director)". Screen Daily.
- ↑ "Andrew Cumming feature debut The Origin wraps shoot in Scottish Highlands". Screen.Scot.
- ↑ "Andrew Cumming on his Highlands-set horror film The Origin: 'You get one chance to have a big swing'". The Scotsman.
- ↑ "London Film Festival Review: Andrew Cumming's The Origin". Deadline Hollywood.
- ↑ "Full programme announced for the 2023 Glasgow Film Festival". Screen.Scot.
- ↑ Ravindran, Manori (15 May 2023). "Bleecker Street Buys Stone Age Thriller The Origin (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
- ↑ Tabbara, Mona (19 May 2023). "Survival horror 'The Origin' sells to Signature for UK-Ireland". Screen International. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (31 October 2023). "Bleecker Street Stone-Age Horror Thriller 'The Origin' Renamed 'Out Of Darkness', Sets Theatrical Release Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ↑ "Out of Darkness". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ↑ "British Independent Film Awards: Debut Movies 'Aftersun,' 'Blue Jean' Lead Nominations". Hollywood Reporter.
- ↑ "'Aftersun' shines as big winner of 2022 Bifas". Screen Daily.