---
title: "SXSW Horror Film 'Monitor' Picked Up by Searchlight Pictures for 2027 Release"
date: 2026-04-15
source: The Hollywood Reporter
source_url: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/horror-film-monitor-picked-up-by-searchlight-1236565384/
tags: [film, horror, sxsw-2026, searchlight, acquisition]
summary: "Searchlight Pictures acquires U.S. distribution rights to Monitor, the horror feature from Matt Black and Ryan Polly that premiered at SXSW 2026 in the Midnighter section."
---

# SXSW Horror Film 'Monitor' Picked Up by Searchlight Pictures for 2027 Release

*Monitor*, the buzzy horror feature that made its world premiere at SXSW 2026, has found a home at Searchlight Pictures. The studio acquired U.S. distribution rights and plans a 2027 theatrical release, with international distribution for the U.K. and Southeast Asia.

The film marks the feature debut of directors Matt Black and Ryan Polly. It stars Brittany O'Grady as a young woman who works as a content moderator—sifting through some of the worst material the internet has to offer. After she flags and removes a mysterious video, she and her colleagues find themselves hunted by an evil force that uses the ubiquitous screen in their lives to kill them.

Described by some as *A Nightmare on Elm Street* meets *The Ring* for the modern screen generation, the film taps directly into contemporary anxieties about digital content and online platforms.

"When we made the original *Monitor* short film eight years ago, we never imagined it would one day find a home at Searchlight Pictures," said Black and Polly in a joint statement. "We're beyond thrilled to be partnering with them to bring this monster to theaters, where it truly belongs on the big screen. *Monitor* was always meant to be experienced with a room full of people being terrified together."

Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight Pictures, called the film "a visceral, modern thriller that taps directly into our collective fear of what may lurk just out of view, at the edges of our screens, delivering a truly wild ride."

The film premiered in SXSW's Midnighter section, known for showcasing boundary-pushing genre films. Producers include Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, and Isaac Klausner—known for the horror hit *Smile*—along with John Fischer and Adrian Guerra.