Shudder Buys Supernatural Horror 'Split Rock' Ahead of Sitges Debut

Shudder has bought the supernatural horror film Split Rock ahead of its festival debut, Variety reported on Oct. 8.

The deal hands Shudder streaming rights in the United States, the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The film will stream on Shudder on Dec. 25.

Before that, it follows a two-step festival launch. Split Rock is set to debut at the 59th Sitges Film Festival on Friday. Its North American premiere follows at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival on Oct. 21.

The story follows geologists Lauren and Ben. They travel to the remote badlands to investigate a strange anomaly and unearth an ancient force.

Clark Backo plays Lauren and Drew Ray Tanner plays Ben. The cast also includes Olivia Luccardi and Graham Verchere.

The film was shot on 16mm, the celluloid gauge prized for its grainy texture. Its listed runtime is 98 minutes, according to the Sitges Film Festival.

Split Rock was written and directed by Ryan Glover. It is his second feature after 2021's The Strings.

Behind the camera, the producers are Brian Robertson of Low End, Jefferson Moneo of Prowler Pictures and Krista Dzialoszynski of Observer Effect. The acquisition was negotiated by Emily Gotto, Shudder's vice-president of global acquisitions and co-productions, with Robertson on behalf of the film-makers.

For fans, this means a short wait. Two festival bows in October, then a Christmas Day arrival on streaming.