We’re thrilled to announce that Dread has officially revealed the release date for Mary Beth McAndrews’ revenge slasher, Bystanders. After following the film’s journey on her social media, we’re excited to share the trailer and release details.
Written by Jamie Alvey, Bystanders follows Abby, an awkward teen targeted by a group of rich frat boys intent on assaulting her. In a twist of fate, she crosses paths with a couple, and together they must fight back against the unhinged collegiate predators.
Marking the directorial debut of Mary Beth McAndrews, Bystanders is set for release on January 21st. Check out the trailer, share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more updates as the release approaches!
DREAD, L.A.-based distribution and financing company Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label, will be releasing the rape-revenge thriller, BYSTANDERS, in North America. The feature will be available for rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD) January 21, 2025. During the film’s festival run, the title garnered awards from Nightmares Film Festival and HorrorHound Film Festival. At HorrorHound it was nominated for 11 awards — winning seven, including Best Feature, Best Directing, Best Writing, Best Supporting Performance (Garrett Murphy), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Judges Choice. Bystanders marks Mary Beth McAndrews’ directorial debut and stars Brandi Botkin, Bob Wilcox, Garrett Murphy, Jamie Alvey, Chaney Morrow and Hannah Fierman. Jamie Alvey also served as the film’s writer.
Uniquely positioned from a feminist point of view, the Bystanders synopsis reads: Clare and Gray are your typical loving millennial couple navigating a jaded world. Abby is a sweet awkward teen. When Abby attends a party held by her crush, a rich frat boy hotshot named Cody, the bash spins out of control when Cody and the boys decide to drug, rape, and hunt several of the girls in attendance. When Abby’s path intersects with Gray and Clare’s path, they form an unlikely alliance during a night of chaos and bloodshed as the trio fight for their lives against the collegiate creeps.
“Bystanders has been incredibly close to my heart since I first read Jamie Alvey's script,” says the film’s director, Mary Beth McAndrews. “As a sexual assault survivor, being able to tell this story in all of its gory glory has been incredibly cathartic and liberating. A film like Bystanders is more important now than ever and I'm thrilled that Dread is helping us share it with the world.”
Epic Pictures Group CEO Patrick Ewald says, "Mary Beth McAndrews is a visionary in the world of horror, and Bystanders is a testament to her creativity and fearless storytelling. This film is not just a chilling experience; it’s a reflection of Mary Beth's unique perspective and passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre."
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