A new horror project from James Ashcroft is set to make waves internationally as When Darkness Loves Us prepares to launch global sales at the Cannes Film Market. The film, backed by Bleecker Street, features a strong ensemble cast led by Emilia Clarke, alongside Victoria Pedretti, Marlon Williams and Natascha McElhone.
International sales responsibilities, excluding Australia and New Zealand, will be handled by Cornerstone, while distribution in Australia and New Zealand is assigned to Umbrella Entertainment. The film has recently completed principal photography in New Zealand and is scheduled for a U.S. release in 2027.
Adapted from the cult novella by Elizabeth Engstrom, the story follows a woman portrayed by Emilia Clarke who emerges after surviving 15 years trapped underground and attempts to reclaim her life and family at any cost, leading to dark and unsettling consequences.
The screenplay has been co-written by James Ashcroft along with Hayley Sproull and Eli Kent. Production is led by Desray Armstrong, with several executive producers contributing to the project, including industry names from Bleecker Street and Umbrella Entertainment.
Filmmaker James Ashcroft is also preparing for the release of another major project, The Whisper Man, featuring Robert De Niro and Michelle Monaghan, which is expected to arrive on Netflix later this year.
With a compelling storyline and a high-profile cast, When Darkness Loves Us is expected to attract significant attention from global buyers during the Cannes market, positioning it as a notable entry in the horror genre.
