Ahead of its world premiere at SXSW, the Nicolas Cage thriller Arcadian has been acquired by RLJE Films, in a deal for North America, UK, Australia and Ireland rights. Also starring Jaeden Martell (It), Maxwell Jenkins (Lost in Space), and Sadie Soverall (Saltburn), the film will be released in theaters on April 12, with a debut on Shudder and AMC+ to follow later in the year.

Written by Michael Nilon and directed by Ben Brewer, who served as lead visual effects artist for A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once, Arcadian takes place in a near future, where normal life on Earth has been decimated. Paul (Cage) and his two sons, Thomas (Jenkins) and Joseph (Martell), have been living a half-life – tranquility by day and torment by night. Every night, after the sun sets, they face the unrelenting attacks of a mysterious and violent evil. One day, when Thomas doesn’t return home before sundown, Paul must leave the safety of their fortified farm to find him. A nightmarish battle ensues that forces the family to execute a desperate plan to survive.

Pic was produced by Redline Entertainment’s David M/ Wulf, Highland Film Group’s Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier, Cage’s Saturn Films and Nilon, and Braxton Pope. Highland is repping international rights.

Calling the film “an instant knockout,” RLJE Films’ Chief Acquisitions Officer Mark Ward added that “Michael Nilon’s script deftly balances between the riveting thrills of a creature feature and the hopeful heart at the core of Paul’s family, played to perfection by Cage, Martel, and Jenkins.”

Stated Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser, “Ben Brewer masterfully helms this thrilling, action packed feature, so we are particularly excited to have our friends at RLJE Films come on board to release Arcadian. They are the ideal partner to introduce this out-of-the-box suspenseful creature thriller to audiences, beginning with its debut at SXSW.”

Added Brewer, “I’m so glad that Arcadian has found a home with RLJE Films and that they will be bringing the film to theaters for audiences to enjoy, which is a singular thrill for filmmakers. I was so moved by the work everyone did on this movie, and I’m ecstatic that RLJE Films is honoring it in this special way.”

Ward negotiated the deal on behalf of RLJE Films, with Fraser on behalf of Highland Film Group.

By Matt Grober, Deadline