BREAKING: In a low seven-figure deal for U.S. rights, eOne acquired the Jim Mickle-directed We Are What We Are, which premiered last Friday at the Library Center Theatre in the Park City At Midnight section. The plot: a devastating storm washes up clues that lead authorities closer to unraveling the dark secrets of the Parker family, who are cannibals. That premise is not some slasher film, it’s far more stylish and the buyer crowd and audience at the premiere screening ate it up and feel they’ve found a director with a voice worth hearing. The film has gotten strong reviews beyond the genre crowd, and it gives eOne a good theatrical offering. Deal was made on the flight back to Los Angeles. I’ve heard both the WME Global and eOne teams were on the same flight back from Park City. They haggled but by the time the plane landed, eOne hit the asks made by the agents, who denied this colorful story. Somehow, it fits with the frenzied pace of deals due to the influx of new buyers. eOne will put it out in a platform theatrical release.
The suitors I heard were in the mix here included Magnolia, Lionsgate and Drafthouse. This festival has been way better than anybody expected, and the Midnight Section will lead to several deals. Among the pics with buyers circling include S VHS.