Fantastic Fest breakout Appofeniacs has been acquired by Magenta Edge Films, a newly launched specialty division of Magenta Light Studios, Variety reports.
Exploring the dark side of AI and deep fakes, the nonlinear horror thriller will receive a theatrical release later this year.
When Duke goes on a frenzy of reckless deep fake creations, his callous disregard of consequences shows how, with a few clicks on a phone, anyone can create a deceiving video of an unsuspecting victim and ruin their life… or end it.
Aaron Holliday (Cocaine Bear), Jermaine Fowler (Sorry to Bother You), Will Brandt, Paige Searcy, Simran Jehani, Harley Bronwyn, Michael Abbott Jr. (The Dark and the Wicked), and Sean Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) star.
Music video director Chris Marrs Piliero (Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, The Black Keys) makes his feature debut from his own screenplay.
“Appofeniacs embodies the creative ambition behind Magenta Edge Films,” said Magenta Edge head Bill Vergos. “It is bold, original and built for audiences who want discovery. Launching the label with a film like this clearly signals the kind of storytelling and filmmaker partnership we believe in.”
Trace Thurman wrote in his review, “Appofeniacs is a pleasant surprise and a strong debut for Piliero, even if it does fall into the occasional style-over-substance trapping. It nails the thrills, though, and weaves the narrative threads together with enough confidence to make Piliero a creator to look out for.”
