Radius-TWC is delaying the VOD release of David Robert Mitchell‘s It Follows in order to expand the critically acclaimed horror film in theaters nationwide.
On Friday, It Follows will be playing in 1,200 theaters, by far the widest release in Radius’ three-year history.
Radius, a division of The Weinstein Co., was launched by co-presidents Tom Quinn and Jason Janego to distribute films on a myriad of platforms, versus relying solely on the traditional theatrical route.
Until now, all of the features released by Radius have been quickly available on VOD–only playing in select theaters, since most exhibitors refuse to give screen time to a movie defying traditional windows.
To date, the widest Radius release was Lovelace, which played in 118 cinemas.
In order to secure so many theaters, Radius had to delay It Follows‘ VOD release, originally set for March 27.
When debuting in New York and Los Angeles two weekends ago, It Follows scored the best location average for a horror title since Paranormal Activity, which also first opened in only a few theaters.
It Follows, acquired by Radius out of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, begins with a strange sexual encounter that leaves a teenager plagued by disturbing visions and the inescapable sense that something is following her.
The indie film features an up-and-coming ensemble cast that includes Maika Monroe (Labor Day), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind of a Funny Story), Daniel Zovatto (Laggies), Jake Weary (Zombeavers),Olivia Luccardi (Girls) and Lili Sepe (Spork).
