Dark Sky Films Acquires Psychological Thriller Sender for US Theatrical Release
Los Angeles, Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Dark Sky Films has secured US distribution rights for Sender, a psychological thriller produced by Jamie Lee Curtis about online shopping paranoia, heading to theaters in spring 2027.
Acquisition and Production Overview
Dark Sky Films has secured United States distribution rights for the psychological thriller Sender, marking a significant acquisition for the independent distributor heading into the fourth quarter of 2026 [1][2]. The film, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis and starring Britt Lower, is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in spring 2027 [1][4]. This deal underscores the continued activity in the mid-tier distribution market as companies compete for star-backed content [2].
The acquisition agreement was negotiated by Greg Newman, Executive Vice President of Dark Sky Films, alongside producers Jake Katofsky and Molly Hallam [3]. Dark Sky Films is a division of MPI Media Group, which plans to give the film a significant theatrical push [4]. Justin DiPietro, Executive Vice President of MPI Media Group, stated the company believes audiences will want to experience the film in a theater [4].
Sender marks the debut feature from writer-director Russell Goldman, whose script appeared on the 2023 Black List of unproduced screenplays [1][2]. The narrative follows a character named Julia, who becomes paranoid after receiving unmarked packages at her suburban rental [1]. The ensemble cast includes Rhea Seehorn, David Dastmalchian, Anna Baryshnikov, and Utkarsh Ambudkar [2][4]. The development timeline from the script’s recognition to release spans approximately 4 years [1][2].
Festival Strategy and Release Window
The film previously premiered in the Narrative Feature Competition at SXSW and won Best Feature at the Sidewalk Film Festival and Chattanooga Film Festival [2][4]. Upcoming screenings include the Los Angeles premiere at Beyond Fest and the European premiere at the 59th Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival [1][3]. These festival appearances precede the planned spring 2027 theatrical window [4].
Greg Newman, Executive Vice President of Dark Sky Films, noted the film takes a familiar anxiety and turns it into something unexpected [4]. The strategic positioning aims to maximize audience engagement through a traditional theatrical rollout rather than immediate digital availability [4]. This approach aligns with the company’s goal of championing distinctive filmmaking experiences [4].