Obscured Releasing Takes North America To Emily Robinson’s SXSW Horror Pic ‘Ugly Cry’

EXCLUSIVE: Obscured Releasing has taken North American the psychological horror comedy, Ugly Cry, which made its world premiere at SXSW.

The deal was negotiated by Justin Timms and Joe Yanick of Yellow Veil Pictures and Bill Guentzler and RJ Millard on behalf of Obscured Releasing.

The feature directorial debut of actress Emily Robinson (Eighth Grade) follows a young Hollywood actress’s dark descent into body dysmorphia as she struggles to fulfill impossible beauty standards. Robinson also write the pic and stars as the pic’s protagonist, Delaney. A theatrical release this fall is in the works prior to digital platforms later this year.

The film also stars Ryan Simpkins, Aaron Dominguez and Robin Tunney and was produced by Sophia Sabella, Pablo Feldman, and Jolene Mendes of More Avenue and Rhianon Jones and Tristan Scott-Behrends of Neon Heart Productions. Executive producers include Debbie von Ahrens, Jim Robinson, Kyle Campbell, Troy Press, Bella Appel, Darci Price, Galileo Mondol, Todd Remis, and David Wetzel.

Following SXSW, Ugly Cry went on to play at Overlook Film Festival, Maryland Film Festival, and made its international premiere in competition at Filmfest München. 

“Ugly Cry contemplates the horror of having a body in the age of the internet. What’s scarier, cringier, and funnier than modern society?” said Robinson. “Our collaboration with Obscured began at SXSW, which made it clear no one understands our genre-bendy feature better than they do. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them for our North American release.” 

“Emily Robinson’s feature debut represents the discovery of a  true talent in filmmaking,” said Guentzler and Millard. “Her writing is so acute, her performance as Delaney finds all the nuances within the character, and her masterful direction of an incredible cast reminds us of the early thrillers of Hitchcock with an acerbic modern lens.”