Horror and hilarity converge in an electrifying cinematic event as Cineverse and Fathom Events proudly unveil the highly anticipated horror-comedy sensation, Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls. Circle October 19 on your calendars, as this buzzed-about film is set to dominate the silver screen exclusively for one unforgettable night. Audiences nationwide can experience the spine-tingling laughter and chills at two showtimes: 7:00pm and 10:00pm (local times) in theaters across the country. Adding to the excitement, fans will be treated to an exclusive introduction by the film’s multi-talented writer, director, and star, Andrew Bowser.
Since its dazzling debut at Sundance, the excitement surrounding the film has grown steadily, garnering praise from Bloody Disgusting for its “endearing quirkiness, endless ’80s/’90s influences, and horror whimsy,” while RogerEbert.com hails it as “a handmade horror gem.”
Crafted around Andrew Bowser’s viral internet character of the same name, and drawing inspiration from iconic films like “Beetlejuice,” “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” and “Ernest Scared Stupid,” Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls spins the tale of an amateur occultist who learns that dabbling in the supernatural comes with a fiery twist.
Step into the shoes of Marcus J. Trillbury (played by Andrew Bowser), also known as the enigmatic Onyx the Fortuitous. Marcus, misunderstood by those around him, grapples to find purpose in his soul-devouring side gig. Just as he’s about to give up, an elusive invitation arrives, beckoning him to the mansion of his idol, Bartok the Great (Jeffrey Combs; Re-Animator). The invitation promises a ritual to summon the spirit of an ancient demon. With excitement, Marcus joins Bartok, alongside the enigmatic Farrah (Olivia Taylor Dudley; “The Magicians,” Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension), and a group of fellow enthusiasts as they prepare for the ritual. But all is not as it seems, as eerie occurrences start to unravel. As the group fights to protect their souls, Marcus must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice to meet his destiny.
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Barbara Crampton (You’re Next, Re-Animator), Ralph Ineson (The Witch, The Green Knight), Rivkah Reyes (School of Rock), TC Carson (Final Destination 2), Arden Myrin (Insatiable, Shameless), and Melanie Chandra (Code Black). Alongside his role as the lead, Andrew Bowser (Worm, Jimmy Tupper vs. the Goatman of Bowie) also produced the film in collaboration with Clark Baker, Michael Mobley, and Olivia Taylor Dudley.
The viral sensation that is Onyx the Fortuitous has accumulated over 300 million views online and boasts over 1 million followers on TikTok, firmly establishing his status as a pop culture icon. Blending spine-tingling horror with side-splitting humor, Onyx brings a playful and lighthearted energy to the dark arts.
Brad Miska, Managing Director of Bloody Disgusting/Cinedigm, expressed, “Onyx is a hysterically retro take on ’80s horror, delivering laughs and screams in equal measure. Think Elvira: Mistress of the Dark meets Fright Night with astonishing practical effects. Our aim is to replicate the incredible success of Terrifier 2 with a fresh approach, offering a radically different film that will resonate widely this Halloween season. This is gateway horror at its finest, and you can’t afford to miss out on the devilishly satirical fun when it arrives in theaters on October 19.”
Onyx the Fortuitous chimed in on the theatrical news, exclaiming, “I’m thrilled to partner with Cineverse and Fathom for the big-screen debut of my movie! It’s going to be the greatest horror team-up ever. Unless, of course, you count Freddy VS. Jason, WHICH I DON’T.”
Andrew Bowser, reflecting on his journey to fame, stated, “Onyx began as a quirky digital character, and I hoped it would find even a small audience. The incredible growth in popularity over the past few years has been truly amazing, and now we’re gearing up for a major theatrical event. It’s a testament that when you’re willing to put your art or yourself out there, incredible things can unfold.”
Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls made its debut in the Midnight Section of the Sundance Film Festival 2023, garnering rave reviews. The film has also made appearances at Fright Fest at the Glasgow Film Festival, the Calgary Underground Film Festival, Chattanooga Film Festival, the Dark Bridges Film Festival, and Fantasia International.
Mark your calendars for October 19 as Cineverse and Fathom Events present Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls in theaters nationwide at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time. To find theater locations and stay updated, visit the Fathom Events website. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this wickedly hilarious horror-comedy phenomenon!
