Horror Highlights: THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, SELF DRIVER, ALADDIN: THE MONKEY’S PAW

THE WOMAN IN THE YARD: "Today’s the day. With audiences still on edge from its theatrical run, Blumhouse’s latest horror sensation THE WOMAN IN THE YARD will be available exclusively on digital platforms to own or rent tomorrow, April 15, 2025, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The film will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 27, 2025. Own the supernatural tale of fear and the unknown with never-before-seen extras including a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, only when you purchase from participating retailers nationwide including Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Movies Anywhere.

“When the sun is bright and the wind is still, she comes to you like a sudden chill. Draped in black from head to toe, how she got there, you’ll never know.” With that cryptic warning, an otherworldly woman sends a family into a seemingly inescapable nightmare. Already grieving the death of her husband, Ramona faces a new fear when this mysterious figure appears outside her farmhouse. With the woman continually creeping closer, Ramona must protect her children from the chilling grasp of this haunting entity whose unknown intentions are anything but peaceful. From Blumhouse, producers of The Invisible Man and The Black Phone.

From director Jaume Collet-Serra (The Shallows, Carry On) and writer Sam Stefanak (“F Is for Family”, “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia”), THE WOMAN IN THE YARD stars Danielle Deadwyler (Till, I Saw the TV Glow), Okwui Okpokwasili (I Am Legend, Exorcist: The Believer), Peyton Jackson (“Best Foot Forward”, Nobody’s Fool), Estella Kahiha (Fantasy Football, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry), and Russell Hornsby (The Hate U Give, “Lincoln Heights”).

EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN YOU BUY AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:

• MAKING THE WOMAN IN THE YARD- Travel through the darkest corners of the film during this behind-the-scenes journey where filmmakers work with cast to craft a story that is both haunting and human.
• BENEATH THE VEIL - Cast and filmmakers lift the veil on the film’s frightening figure for this revealing look at the themes, designs, and styles that shape her eerie specter into a powerful presence."

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SELF DRIVER: "Cinephobia Releasing is proud to announce the US release of writer-director Michael Pierro’s debut thriller feature SELF DRIVER. Cinephobia Releasing acquired rights to the film in a deal negotiated between Cinephobia President Raymond Murray, and Justyna Koronkiewicz, Owner of Media Move. Self Driver will arrive on VOD, digital on May 8.

“Michael Pierro’s boldly creative thriller captivated me like few films do”, said Murray. “Cinephobia Releasing is very excited to bring this daring film to American audiences this year.”

Self Driver follows a down-on-his-luck cab driver, who, facing mounting expenses and the unrelenting pressure of modern living, is lured on to a mysterious new app that promises fast, easy money. As his first night on the job unfolds, he is pulled ever deeper into the dark underbelly of society, embarking on a journey that will test his moral code and shake his understanding of what it means to have freewill. The question becomes not how much money he can make, but what he'll be compelled to do to make it. If you've got nothing to lose, how far would you go?

“Films like “Self Driver” are my favorite kind of films, it is powerful while being modest, which is a testament to Director Michael Pierro’s boldness and talent as a filmmaker”, said Koronkiewicz. “I’m thrilled to help get this film the wide audience it deserves – something I already know Cinephobia can do well.”

Self Driver stars Nathanael Chadwick (The Last Porno Show), Reece Presley (In a Violent Nature), and Lauren Welchner (Faulein Cherie). The film is produced by Kire Paputts and Michael Pierro.

"I'm beyond excited to be working with Cinephobia Releasing to bring Self Driver to American audiences, said Pierro. “The film was a passion project, built with a guerilla spirit from the ground up. It's a true joy to be working with a bunch of people who share the same love for independent cinema that brought the team behind Self Driver together in the first place. This film would not exist without people like that and I can't wait to see where they take it!"

The film world premiered at the Fantaspoa - International Fantastic Film Festival, winning Best Film in the Low Budget, Great Films section and went on to play Fantasia Festival where it won the New Flesh Award for Best First Feature, Grimmfest, taking home the award for Best Actor and receiving a Special Mention of the Jury for Best Director, Macabro Festival Internacional de Cine de Horror, MidWest WeirdFest, and Panic Fest."

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ALADDIN: THE MONKEY’S PAW: "Empire Studios, in partnership with Everly Entertainment and 8th Law Pictures, has announced the upcoming production of the elevated horror feature Aladdin: The Monkey’s Paw, a dark, supernatural reimagining of the classic fable, now set against a grounded modern backdrop.

Production begins in late May 2025, with principal photography taking place in the UK.

The film stars Nick Sagar (Queen of The South, Run the World), Ricky Norwood (EastEnders, The Princess Switch), Montana Manning (Hollyoaks), and Bradley Stryker (Terrifier 3, iZombie), who also directs. DOP is Simon Stolland (Marching Powder)"

Logline:
A modern-day Londoner, Aladdin, inherits an ancient monkey’s paw believed to grant wishes, only to discover that every desire comes at a soul-crushing price. As those around him fall victim to its curse, he must confront a growing evil — and the demonic force that feeds on every wish made.

The film is produced by Charley McDougall (Moon Quake), Jamie McLeod-Ross (The Reckoning), Nick Sagar, and Bradley Stryker. Screenplay by Charley McDougall.

Executive Producers are Rustin Matthew, Terry Bird and Arthur Corber.

Charley McDougall Writer / Producer:
"We always wanted to explore horror through a personal lens — not just the scares, but the human cost of wishes. This story’s been haunting us for a while, and it’s time to let it loose. The best horror films haunt you long after the credits roll. That’s what this story does. It’s sharp, emotional, and full of dread in all the right ways. We’re not just making another horror film — we’re building a world around a truly iconic concept. The paw, the mythology, the character’s — it’s all there"

Jamie McLeod-Ross, Producer (Empire Studios):
"This is the kind of grounded, mythological horror that sticks with people. It’s terrifying because it’s personal. We’re playing with a cautionary tale that’s more relevant now than ever."

Nick Sagar, Lead Actor & Producer:
"What drew me in was how real this felt. This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s about grief, temptation, consequence. We’re making something bold, scary, and emotional — and I can’t wait to bring it to life."

Bradley Stryker, Director & Producer:

"This film will be so much fun -- it's all about the peaks and valleys; the highs of lows of what we deem our dreams and desires... and then we slam that into a genre film in which the stakes have never been more diabolical and entertaining."