After doing a lot of work in the comedy genre – Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The State, Viva Variety, Upright Citizens Brigade, Wet Hot American Summer, Reno 911!, Superbad, Pineapple Express, Paul, Role Models, Wanderlust, I Love You, Man… the list is long – Joe Lo Truglio has decided to make his feature directorial debut with a horror film called Outpost. Gravitas Ventures gave the film a theatrical and VOD release in the US back in May (you can find it on Amazon at THIS LINK), and now Lightbulb Film Distribution has announced that they’ll be bringing Outpost to the UK and Ireland on September 11th with a digital and VOD release. The movie will then be given the same sort of release in Australia and New Zealand on September 13th.
Also scripted by Lo Truglio, Outpost has the following synopsis: After a violent assault, a woman asks her best friend for help escaping an abusive ex. She’s given a job as a fire lookout in the mountains of northern Idaho, hoping the peaceful solitude will heal her trauma. But the PTSD and isolation have other plans, and it’s suddenly a fight to save herself and the town.
Beth Dover (who was in Orange Is the New Black and happens to be married to Lo Truglio) stars in the film alongside Ato Essandoh (Chicago Med), Dylan Baker (Trick ‘r Treat), Becky Ann Baker (A Simple Plan), Dallas Roberts (The Walking Dead), Ta’Rea Campbell (Blue Bloods), Tim Neff (The Irishman), and D.R. Anderson (The Ward).
Speaking with the Spokesman-Review, Lo Truglio said he wanted to make a horror movie because “There is nothing like getting a laugh or a scream. They both make you feel good. I’ve been a horror fan since I was 13. I was into horror before I got into comedy. Horror made me interested in movies and filmmaking. This film has been in the works for 37 years. I had to make Outpost.“
He was so determined to make Outpost, he even financed the movie himself.
As a horror fan who has also been a longtime fan of Lo Truglio’s comedy work, I will definitely be watching Outpost at some point… And the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand distribution news has reminded me that I need to go ahead and check it out already.
Lo Truglio had this to say about the Lightbulb distribution deal: “Growing up in the 70s and 80s, my love for horror began very early and I can’t wait for a global audience to see this movie. Making Outpost was a 13 year-old’s dream. We’re thrilled to be working with Lightbulb, who share the same passion for the genre.“
Lightbulb’s Peter Thompson added: “We are delighted to be bringing Outpost to audiences in the UK, Ireland, Australia & New Zealand. Joe Lo Truglio is a brilliant comedy actor, but this suspenseful, revenge thriller showcases his skills as a writer and director. Anchored by Beth Dover’s lead performance and captured by cinematographer Frank Barrera, Outpost reminds us that trauma is frightening but survival is thrilling.“
Are you interested in Outpost? Let us know by leaving a comment below – and if you have already seen the movie, let us know what you thought of it.