Trending Now - Searchlight Acquires Horror Hit 'monitor' Following SXSW Success

WHO:

Deadline - The film "Monitor" is directed by Matt Black and Ryan Polly.

Deadline - The cast includes Brittany O'Grady, Viveik Karla, Ines Høysæter Asserson, Gunner Willis, Sara Alexander, and Camila Bejarano Wahlgren.

Variety - The film is produced by Marty Bowen.

WHAT:

Deadline - Searchlight Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to the horror film "Monitor."

Variety - "Monitor" is described as a horror movie that explores the premise: "What if the worst thing on the internet wasn’t meant to be seen?"

Variety - The film features a storyline involving a demonic entity that stalks social media content.

WHERE:

Deadline - "Monitor" made its world premiere in the Mignighter section at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.

WHEN:

Deadline - The film premiered at SXSW in 2026.

WHY:

Variety - The acquisition by Searchlight Pictures follows the film's successful debut at SXSW, indicating its popularity and buzz at the festival.

HOW:

Deadline - The acquisition of "Monitor" by Searchlight Pictures was a result of its breakout success at the SXSW festival.

(UPDATED April 15, 2026 21:18 UTC)

Searchlight Pictures has acquired the U.S. rights to the horror film "Monitor," which premiered in the Mignighter section at the South by Southwest festival in 2026. Directed by Matt Black and Ryan Polly, the film features a cast that includes Brittany O'Grady, Viveik Karla, and Camila Bejarano Wahlgren, and it explores the chilling premise of a demonic entity stalking social media content. The acquisition follows the film's successful debut at SXSW, highlighting its popularity and the buzz it generated at the festival.