In March, Shudder will spotlight the bold, visionary horror emerging from France in the twenty-first century, including essential titles from the boundary-pushing wave of films dubbed “New French Extremity.”
That includes Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury‘s Livid, previously unavailable on streaming in the U.S.
Livid follows Lucy (Chloé Coulloud), a young woman training to become an at-home nurse and still reeling from her mother’s death. She’s grown estranged from her father, who’s taken to working nights and moving on in his personal life. When accompanying Mrs. Wilson (Catherine Jacob) on patient rounds, they finish the day at an ornate, isolated mansion owned by comatose Mrs. Jessel (Marie-Claude Pietragalla), a former ballet instructor rumored to possess treasure hidden somewhere with the walls. Lucy’s boyfriend, William (Félix Moati), convinces her and his brother Ben (Jérémy Kapone) to break into the home on Halloween to claim the treasure for themselves. But they quickly realize they’re not alone.
Livid was released in France in December 2011 after a successful festival run, and news of an American remake followed suit a year later. Those plans fell into development hell, and the film never received a proper release stateside. The hidden Halloween horror gem will finally be accessible for the first time since its festival run.
The filmmakers breakout hit, Inside, will also be part of the lineup, tiwhich also includes Alexandre Aja’s High Tension, Claire Denis’ Bastards and Trouble Every Day, Lucile Hadzihalilovic’s Evolution, Xavier Gens’ Frontier(s), and Pascal Laugier’s Martyrs.
Look for all to hit the streaming service on March 1.