Horror Highlights: MARSHMALLOW, THE HOUSE OVER THE VOID, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER

HEMLOCK CIRCLE PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES THE DIGITAL RELEASE OF SUMMER CAMP HORROR FILM “MARSHMALLOW”: “Hemlock Circle Productions, in partnership with Quiver Distribution, has announced that its latest horror sci-fi feature, Marshmallow, will be available to stream on Video On Demand (VOD) starting June 6, 2025.

Directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio and produced by Hemlock Circle, Marshmallow has been received positively by audiences since its debut at this year’s Panic Fest, where it was awarded Best of Fest with DelPurgatorio winning Best Director. The film currently holds a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its intense suspense and narrative developments.

“Our partnership with Quiver Distribution has allowed us to reach an even wider audience for Marshmallow, and we’re incredibly proud of the journey this film has taken from script to viewers’ screens,” said Todd Friedman, producer at Hemlock Circle.

Viewers can access the film for $5.99 for Video On Demand rental and $14.99 for Electronic Sell-Through (EST), to rent or digitally own.

Hemlock Circle has also produced the action-comedy film Bad Man starring Sean William Scott, Rob Riggle and Johnny Simmons. The film centers around Sam Evans (Simmons) as he tackles a meth epidemic, but is sidelined on arrival by Bobby Gaines (Scott), an undercover agent. Despite Evans local ties, Gaines is hailed as a hero until suspicions arise on Gaines which unravels a complex narrative. Bad Man is set to release this Fall.

Additionally,  Last Shot is about 12-year-old basketball prodigy, Caden Isaacs, navigating the turbulent waters of grief and adolescence after the sudden death of his father.  Having to move to Nashville to live with his estranged mother. Caden struggles to find his place on a new elite basketball team while grappling with the high expectations of those around him. Through intense rivalries, newfound friendships, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, Caden learns to process his pain and rediscover his passion for the game. Filming is set to begin in July with anticipated cast announcement coming soon.”

WHEN: Marshmallow will be available on select digital platforms on June 6

WHERE: Marshmallow will be available to watch on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video,

Fandango at Home, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, DirecTV, Dish Network, Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Cox Communications, Altice (Optimum), and Spectrum.

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THE HOUSE OVER THE VOID: A Horror Anthology: “Indie comic creator William Skinner brings his first horror anthology, The House Over the Void, to Kickstarter. This black-and-white horror anthology features four stories from four up-and-coming artists (Mariano Benitez Chapo, Andrew Cassetta, Delia Gunderson, and Dylan Dietrich), using its format to maximum effect. This campaign runs until 7/4/2025 and offers digital, paperback, and deluxe hardcover formats of the stories. In addition, backers can purchase commissioned art pieces or autographed postcards. The deluxe hardcover features an “unrated” version of a story in the book and behind the scenes content you won’t find anywhere else!

This anthology includes: Nocturnal Nightmares – A man reminisces on his troubling and vicious nightmares only to find they’re more real than he ever imagined. The Hunter’s Moon – A young woman ventures into the forest yearly to look for her missing brother. This year, her search brings her to a mysterious witch who holds the answers to her ever growing mystery. Eddie’s Room – An elderly millionaire is brought to terms with his miserly ways after visiting with the ghosts that haunt his mansion. The Curse of the Scarecrow – A group of rambunctious college students are stalked by a scarecrow after taking an important accessory from him.

The project’s funding goal is $7,500, which will cover printing, artist compensation, and backer rewards. The team is also planning stretch goals including upgraded covers and additional content.”

For more information and to back the campaign, visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wskinner/the-house-over-the-void-a-horror-anthology

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Body Horror Comedy Feature From Liz Manashil BEST FRIENDS FOREVER Sets Cast Including Eliza Bennett, Catherine Corcoran, Jessie Ennis, and Bobby Moynihan: “Independent feature BEST FRIENDS FOREVER has locked in its key cast, with Kimia Behpoornia (Abbott Elementary, Good Trouble), Eliza Bennett (Dynasty, Sweet/Vicious), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier, Return to Nuke ‘Em High), Jessie Ennis (Mythic Quest, Better Call Saul), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live, Mr. Mayor), Aparna Nancherla (Another Simple Favor, The Great North), Esther Povitsky (Drugstone June, Alone Together), and Rekha Shankar (Dropout.tv’s Gamechanger, Dimension 20).

The film is written by Amy Taylor and Liz Manashil and will be directed by Liz Manashil (Bread and Butter, Speed of Life). The picture is produced by Laura Reich and Pardis Sullins, line produced by Elena Weinberg, and executive produced by Tiffany L Gray, Katie Leary, Charlie and Will Pigott, and Debra Treviño.

The horror-comedy follows the bachelorette party reunion of five high school friends as they become exposed to toxic positivity turned supernatural and start to turn against each other. With performers assembled by casting director Cara Chute Rosenbaum, and associate produced by horror mavericks Emily Hagins (Sorry About the Demon), Ted Geoghegan (We Are Still Here), and Carter Smith (The Ruins), the film explores all the things women don’t say and show to their friends.”

Says actor Jessie Ennis, “I’m eager to tell this story of friendship shifting with age and the true horrors that come from having to attend a bachelorette party.”

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating on a project that explores the themes of female friendship in the horror genre,” adds actor Eliza Bennett. “Most women understand the turmoil of losing a female friend, and we get to explore that experience on every level.”

Manashil, who previously managed Sundance Institute’s Creative Distribution Initiative and is a producer’s rep for independent features, is embarking on this project for multiple reasons.

Says the filmmaker, “Making a feature in 2025 requires a lot of reflection on how to create something both boundary-pushing content-wise as well as sustainable. Our producers are on board for the long haul to create opportunities for this film outside of the traditional distribution deals. We’re looking to prove something with this picture: that the people who have committed their lives to telling stories can carve a path to do so for the long term. Creatively, our predominantly women-led team is working to tell a story that makes people laugh, cry, and want to throw up. That’s the sweet spot.”