Blumhouse and Focus Features are looking for the next Obsession, and it looks like they’ve found something that might hit the spot. Deadline reports that the two studios have acquired Play House, a new micro-budget horror film from director, screenwriter, and influencer Nicolas Curcio.
Made for just over $100,000, Play House premiered at Fantastic Fest last month, after its script initially won last year’s Fantastic Pitches contest, which secured him funding. Co-written by Curcio and his wife Kirby Gladstein, the film stars Will Harrison, Jessica Sula, Jordan Gonzalez, and James Urbaniak. Per Deadline, its synopsis is as follows:
The film follows Elliott, who while renovating a dilapidated house to win back his ex, discovers VHS tapes of an unaired children’s TV show which begins to seep into his life, threatening his last chance at reconciliation.
Play House is produced by Curcio and Gladstein, along with Ben Gojer, Jack Forbes, and Derek Tramont, with executive producers Ahbra Perry, Daniel Levin, Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath, and Jason Blum. The film is Curcio’s directorial debut, after writing on numerous projects like the animated film GOAT and the upcoming thriller Sweet Spot.
He’s also known for his popular TikTok account, where he shares screenwriting stories and tips, and partners with studios like A24 and NEON to help promote their films. WIth a public image already firmly in place on an app geared towards a Gen Z and Gen Alpha audience, it’ll be interesting to see how Play House is received, especially with several credits already under Curcio’s belt.
Play House arrives in theaters in 2027. Stay tuned to FANGORIA for more updates.
