Independent Film Company and Shudder have acquired the rights to This Is Not a Test in the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Variety reports that a 2026 theatrical release is planned.
Based on the 2012 young adult novel of the same name by Courtney Summers, the zombie outbreak movie is written and directed by Adam MacDonald (Backcountry, Pyewacket).
It follows Sloane and a small group of her classmates who take cover in their high school to escape their suddenly apocalyptic hometown. As danger relentlessly pounds on the doors, Sloane begins to see the world through the eyes of people who actually want to live and takes matters into her own hands.
Olivia Holt (Heart Eyes), Froy Gutierrez (The Strangers), Luke MacFarlane (“Bros”), Corteon Moore (“From”), Chloe Avakian (“Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy”), and Carson MacCormac (Clown in a Cornfield) star.
“Courtney Summers’ book This Is Not a Test captivated me completely with its raw energy and dynamic characters, a story I felt personally and knew it had to be brought to the screen,” said MacDonald. “I couldn’t be happier with Olivia Holt’s exceptional talent stepping into Sloane’s shoes (Docs) and bringing her to life.”
MacDonald continued, “I’m beyond thrilled the film is in great hands and found a home with Independent Film Company and Shudder, a team that puts so much passion in the films they release. Producer Cybill Lui and I brought together the very best creative team to realize this deeply emotional, gritty, intense film, one that puts you on the very edge of your seat and will leave you with hope at the end of the world.”
IFC’s Director of Acquisitions and Productions Adam Koehler added, “Adam MacDonald has an unmatched ability to elevate genre filmmaking with heart, intelligence, and raw human emotion. We’re thrilled to bring This Is Not a Test to a new generation of viewers who crave horror that hits both the gut and the soul.”
MacDonald produced the Canadian film alongside Cybill Lui (The Silencing) of Anova Pictures.
This Is Not a Test will premiere at Brooklyn Horror Fest in New York on October 17 before heading to Toronto After Dark Film Festival in Canada on October 18.
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