Netflix has acquired the global rights toCiarán Foy’s horror movieElifrom Paramount Pictures and will release the film in 2019, Collider has exclusively learned.
Trevor Macyproduced the film via his Intrepid Pictures banner along withJohn Zaozirny, whileMatt Alvarezexecutive producedElialongsideMelinda Nishiokaand Jenny Hinkey. The script is credited toDavid Chirchirillo,Ian GoldbergandRichard Naing.
Charlie Shotwell(Captain Fantastic) stars as the title character, a young boy who’s plagued by an unknown, debilitating illness that requires him to live completely sealed off from the outside world. After exhausting every option, his parents put their trust—and Eli’s life—in the hands of a doctor whose experimental treatments may be the boy’s last hope. As Eli undergoes the intense process that could potentially cure him, he begins to be haunted by experiences that force him to question who he can trust.
Lili Taylor(The Nun) also stars as the doctor alongsideKelly Reilly(True Detective),Max Martini(Fifty Shades of Grey) andStranger ThingsbreakoutSadie Sink. Meanwhile, Foy is best known as the director ofSinister 2, which he landed on the strength of his 2012 indie thrillerCitadelstarringAneurin Barnard.
Of course, Netflix is no stranger to picking up Paramount titles, having acquired international on theNatalie Portmansci-fi movieAnnihilation, and having made a splash with its release ofThe Cloverfield Paradoximmediately after the Super Bowl. Netflix also acquired theMichael Pena-led sci-fi movieExtinctionfrom Universal
“I’ve had a lot of really good experiences with genre material on Netflix and I’m really proud for them to have this movie,” said Macy, who has a long history with the streaming service, having produced theMike FlanaganfilmsHush,Before I WakeandGerald’s Game, as well as the hit seriesThe Haunting of Hill House. The success of that series (andStranger Things) really illustrates how genre material has thrived on Netflix.
“We’re super excited to be working with Netflix and know they’ll make excellent partners. I can’t wait for everyone to see what a great film Ciarán has made and the amazing performances of the actors,” said Zaozirny.
Eliwill hit Netflix sometime next year and while there’s no firm release date yet, horror has proven to be a year-round business of late. The streaming service’s upcoming releases include Alfonso Cuarón’sRomaand theSandra BullockthrillerBird Box.
