David Farnor | On 27, May 2020

Amazon has acquired supernatural horror Run Sweetheart Run, after its release was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Written and directed by Shana Feste (The Greatest), the film follows timid and hardworking single mother Shari (Ella Balinska, Charlie’s Angels), who brushes away hesitations and decides to dip her toe back into the dating scene after being spurred on by her coworkers. She’s thrilled when her boss sets her up on a blind date with Ethan (Pilou Asbæk, Game of Thrones), who initially proves every bit as charming and magnetic as his photo. Ethan can’t hide his true nature for very long though—and when things quickly turn sinister, Shari must find a way to escape. Forced to navigate the streets of LA after hours on foot, Shari learns Ethan is far more connected and violent than she ever imagined.

The film premiered at the start of the year at Sundance and was set to build on that with a screening at SXSW. The festival was ultimately cancelled, though, due to the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdown.

Now, the film’s going straight to streaming, in a new deal between Amazon Studios and Blumhouse Productions and Automatik.

“As crazy as audiences may find the film protagonist’s experience, I wrote and directed a film that is based on a very personal story for me and I’m thrilled that a global audience will have the chance to see it soon on Amazon Prime,” said Feste in a statement. “I’m also grateful to my friends at Universal and Blumhouse for their unending support of the film.

The acquisition builds on Amazon’s existing relationship with Blumhouse, with the indie studio’s TV arm producing eight series for Amazon Prime Video.
 

Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute

Add to Watchlist