It was a helluva thing last year to get an in-character shout-out from actor Gary Green as his latest starrer, Fried Barry, held captive virtual audiences at the festivals. You can read more of my thoughts about Ryan Kruger’s feature directing debut in my review here, while you may also note the film’s multi-territorial nab for release thanks to the genre stewards at AMC’s Shudder.
The premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural has acquired the psychedelic and walloping South African sci-fi thriller romp for release in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand from Thursday, May 6. Kruger, who directed the pic from his own script, also storied the film with James C. Williamson, in addition to both serving as producer, with Nicolai Fuglsig (12 Strong) exec producing.
Fried Barry, a Ryan Kruger thing, follows the story of a drug-addled degenerate who, after yet another bender, gets abducted by aliens. Barry takes a backseat as his alien visitor assumes control of his body and takes it for a joyride through Cape Town. What follows is an onslaught of drugs, sex and violence as Barry’s alien tourist enters the weird and wonderful world of humankind. The film is an extension of Kruger’s 2017 short by the same name.
Starring newcomer Green in the title role, the cast also includes Bianka Hartenstein, Sean Cameron Michael (Shooter, Blood Drive), Chanelle de Jager (The Widow, Outlander), Joey Cramer (Flight of the Navigator) and Jonathan Pienaar (Blood Diamond, Roots).
Said Craig Engler, general manager of Shudder, “Fried Barry is going to blow people’s minds when it hits Shudder. It’s a bold, creative film from the delightfully demented yet visionary mind of Ryan Kruger and unlike anything else you’ll see this year.”
“We had an incredible year on the festival circuit and the fan response has been nothing short of explosive,” said director and writer Ryan Kruger. “Fried Barry has achieved this great cult following, and I couldn’t think of a better home for its hugely anticipated release other than with Shudder.”
Fried Barry world premiered at the 2020 Cinequest Film Festival and went on to screen at celebrated festivals such as the prestigious Sitges International Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, Grimmfest, and Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival, where it was awarded Best Actor.
