Italy officially selected Paolo Strippoli’s wicked horror film The Spiral (L’Estranea) for the Best International Feature Oscar race. Naturally, that prestigious announcement sparked a fierce Hollywood bidding war over the English-language remake rights. Deadline reports that New Line Cinema won the battle.
Global Distribution and Oscar Plans
New Line secured rights to develop a brand-new, English-language feature adaptation based on Strippoli’s original nightmare. The comprehensive deal also covers distribution across the United States, Canada, and seven major Asian territories. Because The Spiral is an official Oscar contender, the studio will release the Italian original in select theaters before year’s end to qualify for awards.
Stormy Confessions and Faustian Bargains
The stars Jasmine Trinca as a desperate mother facing a reckoning. She arrives at her estranged daughter’s apartment during a raging storm to confess terrible secrets. Years of selfish lies and sinister bargains have weakened their bond and shattered their family’s foundation. Romana Maggiora Vergano, Adriano Giannini, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi round out this powerhouse Italian ensemble.
Festival Glory and Strippoli’s Winning Streak
The Spiral earned massive critical acclaim long before Hollywood executives reached for their checkbooks. The film celebrated its world premiere in competition at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. There, juries awarded the movie both the Green Drop Award and the Young Cinema Award.
Later, North American audiences embraced the madness at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section. Festivalgoers voted the film the first runner-up for the coveted People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award.
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Another Must-See
While fans are excited about The Spiral, there’s another film by Paolo Strippoli that shouldn’t be missed. His film The Holy Boy is gearing up to premiere on Shudder later this month, on November 27.
In The Holy Boy, tormented teacher Sergio (Michele Riondino) transfers to Remis, a secluded alpine village celebrated as Italy’s happiest town. But he quickly uncovers a sinister secret behind the community’s joyful facade. Every week, locals gather to hug Matteo, an introverted fifteen-year-old boy whom they believe absorbs all human pain. Realizing their devotion to the “Angel of Remis” turns sinister, Sergio tries to rescue Matteo and ignites the town’s wrath.
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