Searchlight Pictures Picks Up Standout Film ‘Monitor’ from Matt Black and Ryan Polly at SXSW
Searchlight Pictures has secured U.S. rights to "Monitor," the debut feature from filmmakers Matt Black and Ryan Polly. The horror film premiered in the Mignighter section at the SXSW festival, generating significant buzz. "Monitor" features a compelling cast, including Brittany O’Grady, Viveik Karla, Ines Høysæter Asserson, Gunner Willis, Sara Alexander, and Camila Bejarano Wahlgren.
The film is produced by Marty Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, Isaac Klausner, John Fischer, and Adrian Guerra. Executive producers include Nuria Valls, Hal Sadoff, Ben Levine, Dave Bishop, and George Hamilton. In addition to U.S. distribution, Searchlight will handle releases in the UK and Southeast Asia.
The logline for "Monitor" reads: After a disturbing video surfaces online, something begins to spread—moving from screen to screen and targeting anyone who watches. No escape. No warning. Once you’ve seen it … it’s already too late.
Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight Pictures, praised the film, stating, “Matt and Ryan have crafted 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. We can’t wait to bring it to audiences.”
Plans for a release in 2027 will be announced in due course. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Chan Phung, Head of Acquisitions, and Ben Wilkinson, VP of Business Affairs, on behalf of Searchlight, in collaboration with Temple Hill Entertainment and UTA Independent Film Group. Protagonist Pictures oversaw international sales.
Reflecting on their journey, Black and Polly stated, “When we made the original Monitor short film eight years ago, we never imagined it would one day find a home at Searchlight Pictures. 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. We’re incredibly grateful to our entire cast and crew and our partners at Temple Hill and Nostromo Pictures, who championed this project from the beginning and helped make this moment possible.”
