Shudder acquires feminist revenge fable ‘Violation’ ahead of Sundance

Shudder, AMC Networks’ premiere streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has announced the acquisition of Violation, the debut feature written, produced and directed by Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli, which will be released exclusively on the streaming platform. 

The bold and unflinching thriller world premiered to critical and audience acclaim at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where Sims-Fewer was a recipient of the TIFF Rising Star Award, and is also an official selection of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival where it will make its international premiere. Shudder has acquired all rights for the U.S., UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand to premiere on its service in those territories later next year.

Violation is a turbulent feminist revenge fable that explores the idea of trauma within families and untangles a sticky web of resentment as a troubled woman on the edge of divorce embarks on a vicious crusade when her sister and brother-in-law betray her trust. Violation has been praised as a “visceral examination of the rape-revenge narrative,” (The Playlist) and “a smart, emotionally shattering piece of work” (RogerEbert.com). Highly focused on a naturalistic performance style and visual aesthetic, directors Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli’s work explores gender politics, selfishness, and abuse of power. 

The deal was negotiated by XYZ Films on behalf of the filmmakers and Shudder’s Emily Gotto. 

“We could not be more thrilled to be working with Shudder. It is truly the perfect home for Violation,” said filmmakers Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli. 
“With Violation, Shudder introduces the tremendous voices of Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli,” said Craig Engler, Shudder General Manager. “Violation is a fearless, unconventional revenge story, from which you cannot emerge unmoved.””

Shudder continues to be at the forefront of curating many of the most exciting and critically-lauded independent and international genre films, including Rob Savage’s Host, Jayro Bustamante’s La Llorona and Joko Anwar’s Impetigore (both official selections for the 2021 International Feature Film Oscar race), Richard Stanley’s Color Out of Space, Josh Ruben’s Scare Me, Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum, Ryan Spindell’s The Mortuary Collection, Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge, Issa Lopez’s Tigers Are Not Afraid and Shinichiro Ueda’s One Cut of the Dead. The service has also garnered attention for its original programming including the breakout hit series “Creepshow” under showrunner Greg Nicotero, Jay Cheel’s “Cursed Films” and the acclaimed documentary Horror Noire: A History Of Black Horror.