Prepare to be chilled! Osgood Perkins' new horror film, Keeper, is already generating serious buzz, and the latest poster reveal, complete with high praise from horror maestro James Wan, has only intensified the anticipation. But does the hype live up to the reality? Let's dive into the details.
Last year, Neon's marketing for Perkins' Longlegs was undeniably unique, and it paid off handsomely, raking in over $125 million worldwide. A significant $74 million of that came from domestic audiences, making it Neon's highest-grossing domestic release to date. The promotional strategy for Perkins' The Monkey, a Stephen King adaptation, might have been less unconventional, but the film still performed admirably, earning nearly $64 million globally after its February release. And this is the part most people miss: even with a less 'intriguing' marketing campaign, Perkins' name alone drew a crowd. Does this speak to the director's growing brand recognition, or the enduring power of Stephen King adaptations?
Now, all eyes are on Keeper, the next collaboration between Neon and Perkins, slated to haunt theaters on November 14th. Neon seems determined to recapture the marketing magic, kicking things off with the cryptic promotional video "It has no end." This was followed by the first poster, bearing the unsettling tagline, "I don't like you anymore." But here's where it gets controversial... Neon didn't stop there. When they shared the poster on social media, they included the chilling line: "I don't want to play in your yard, I don't like you anymore. You'll be sorry when you see me sliding down our cellar door." Some might recognize this as a line from the 1894 song "I Don't Want to Play in Your Yard," adding a layer of unsettling nostalgia to the film's marketing. What do you think of this approach? Is it effective, or does it rely too heavily on pre-existing cultural references?
Adding to the intrigue, a new teaser trailer has emerged, offering a glimpse into the film's narrative from two distinct perspectives, essentially giving us two teasers in one! And now, the latest poster has arrived, boasting a glowing endorsement from James Wan, the creative force behind Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring franchises. Wan's seal of approval certainly carries weight within the horror community. You can find the poster below to judge for yourself.
Keeper, directed by Perkins from a script penned by Nick Lepard (known for Dangerous Animals), stars Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and Rossif Sutherland (Possessor). The plot centers on a couple seeking a romantic escape for their anniversary at a remote cabin. However, their idyllic getaway turns nightmarish when Malcolm (Sutherland) abruptly returns to the city, leaving Liz (Maslany) isolated and vulnerable to an unnamable evil that lurks within the cabin, revealing its dark and terrifying secrets. Think The Shining meets Cabin Fever – but with a Perkins twist.
In a move that signals Neon's commitment to Perkins' vision, he and his producing partner Chris Ferguson recently launched their production banner, Phobos, with Neon's backing. Deadline reported that this first-look deal grants Neon the rights to Perkins' written and directed films, as well as those he produces for other filmmakers. Neon will handle the theatrical releases in the U.S. and manage the international rights. Perkins will continue his collaboration with producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones of Range, ensuring a strong support system for his future projects. This is a significant move, solidifying Perkins' position as a key player in the horror genre and giving him greater creative control over his work.
So, are you eagerly anticipating Osgood Perkins' Keeper? What do you make of the new poster and James Wan's quote? Do you think the marketing campaign is hitting the right notes? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss whether Keeper has the potential to become the next big horror hit or if it will fall victim to its own hype.
