The Righteous, Mark O'Brien's highly anticipated debut feature in the US and UK, will be released by Arrow Films

The Righteous, an award-winning standout on the festival circuit, was recently acquired by Arrow Films for distribution in the UK, Ireland, and the US. A release for Summer 2022 is planned for the UK-based premiere label for cult, art, horror, and world cinema.

The film will also be released on digital and in theaters by Vortex Media in Canada, with Arrow Films handling the home entertainment release.

A unique and darkly engaging spiritual thriller, strikingly shot in black and white, The Righteous tells the story of Frederic (Henry Czerny) a grieving man struggling with his faith, who helps an injured young man, Aaron Smith (Mark O’Brien) who stumbles onto his property one night, claiming to be lost in the woods. Frederic and his wife (Mimi Kuzyk) invite the man to stay for the night, but Frederic soon begins to have doubts about this enigmatic stranger’s story – and his motives for being there. When Aaron asks Frederic to commit an unspeakable deed, it becomes clear that the man is not who he seems, and has been sent to test the very limits of Frederic’s existence.
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In 2021, The Righteous premiered at Fantasia International Film Festival, where it won the Cheval Noir Award as well as Silver Award. It has since won a Bloodie at Blood in the Snow Film Festival and won the Grimmfest Award at Grimmfest 2021.

Arrow’s Director of Content Francesco Simeoni stated: “We’re delighted to be working with Vortex Media and The Righteous creative team on the forthcoming release. Mark O’Brien has put together a highly impressive debut with strong performances from himself and his stars. We knew upon seeing it at Fantasia that it would be perfect for Arrow fans“.

“Vortex Media has supported The Righteous from the script stage and are elated to have partnered with the wonderful team at Arrow Films to release what is a fantastic, visionary work by Mark O’Brien,” said Justin Rebelo, Vortex Media CEO. “We look forward to continuing the film’s journey sharing the film with audiences after the warm response from Fantasia, Grimmfest and Blood in the Snow.”

Mark O’Brien commented: “As a dedicated fan of Arrow Films, I am beyond thrilled to be partnering with them on my debut feature film and continuing my relationship with Vortex Media. Arrow Films are a filmmaker and cinephile’s dream. It’s an honor to be a part of their tremendous catalog.”

According to Arrow Films, the film will be released digitally this summer in the UK, US, and Ireland and on Blu-ray in the UK, US, CA, and Ireland under its celebrated Arrow Video brand. There will be a theatrical and digital release by Vortex Media in Canada this summer.

The film was produced by Mark O’Neill and Allison White. Executive producers Marc Hamou, Walter Lawlor, David Miller and Mark O’Brien.The deal was negotiated by Francesco Simeoni at Arrow Films and Justin Rebelo at Vortex Media.

Check back at Horror Facts often for the latest horror news and updates about The Righteous.