Entertainment Squad has acquired worldwide rights to DO NOT OPEN from Novel Thoughts Production Co., Inc. And will release the film across English-speaking territories on November 12 under its genre label, The Horror Collective. Foreign sales agency Glass House Distribution will sell the rest of the world at the upcoming American Film Market in Las Vegas.
Directed by Brian Babarik, Do Not Open explores the dark side of tech obsession, a technological thriller that will leave viewers questioning their own digital device dependencies.
Do Not Open features an ensemble cast of rising talent, including Danish actor Kian Lawson-Khalili, Swedish award-nominated actress Johanna Smitz, and seasoned Swedish performer Tomas Engström. Joining them is newcomer Noëlle Gutierrez in her debut role, promising a captivating mix of fresh energy and veteran skill that brings the intense psychological horror to life.
Filmed during the pandemic in the serene, isolated landscapes of Sweden, Do Not Open taps into the deep-seated fears of our modern tech-driven world. The story follows the Doe family as they grapple with their increasing reliance on technology, which soon takes a sinister turn.
When Daughter’s dreams of attending a music festival are dashed by her parents, her attempt to save face with her friends by downloading a mysterious app sets off a terrifying chain of events. The family’s darkest secrets and deepest fears are manipulated and exposed through the devices they hold so dear.
As their lives spiral out of control, Dad’s dating app reveals his infidelity, Son becomes the target of an online predator, and Mom’s obsession with self-help websites turns malevolent. As their finances are drained and their personal lives destroyed, the family flees to a remote cabin to escape the nightmare. But even without their devices, the Doe family’s unresolved tensions bubble to the surface, culminating in an explosive climax.
“Technology offers incredible convenience, but Do Not Open entices us to confront the terrifying possibilities when that convenience controls us,” says director Brian Babarik. “I wanted to explore the dark side of our digital obsessions and the blurred lines between reality and what we choose to believe online.”
“Do Not Open presents a stark and unsettling reflection of our technology-addicted society, blending elements of horror and psychological thriller to deliver a tense atmosphere and heart-pounding final act.” Entertainment Squad’s founder and CEO added. &Ldquo;It is a great addition to The Horror Collective’s slate of modern, thought-provoking genre films.”
Tom Malloy, Glass House Distribution’s CEO: “we are excited to present this universal cautionary tale to international buyers at the American Film Market.” This year’s AFM marks an important juncture for the annual conference as it will be moving to Las Vegas after being hosted in Los Angeles for 43 years. The event will take place November 5-10 at Palms Casino Resort.
The Horror Collective upcoming releases include THE DESERVING, featuring a mute serial killer who is haunted by his past, and THE UNRAVELING, a poetic and dark reminder of the price that comes love.
