Indie film distributor Brainstorm Media has secured North American rights to the darkly comedic thriller “LaRoy,” starring John Magaro (“First Cow”), Steve Zahn (“The White Lotus”), and Dylan Baker (“Happiness”). The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival and earned three prestigious awards at the Deauville American Film Festival, including the Grand Prix, Audience Award, and Critics Award.

“LaRoy” marks the directorial debut of writer-director Shane Atkinson and is slated for release in theaters and on digital platforms in 2024.

Produced by Next Productions, “LaRoy” spins a twisted tale about a man on the brink who becomes embroiled in a perilous case of mistaken identity. John Magaro leads the ensemble cast as Ray, a disheartened man who, upon discovering his wife’s infidelity, contemplates ending his life. He purchases a gun, heads to a shady motel where his wife and her lover are entangled, and is on the verge of taking his own life. However, a fateful mix-up occurs when he is confused for a low-level hitman. Driven by a desperate desire for a shred of respect and with nothing to lose, Ray reluctantly takes on the hit job, only to realize that his new path is fraught with perilous consequences.

The film’s producers include Caddy Vanasirikul, Sébastien Aubert, and Jérémie Guiraud, with Brian O’Shea, Giovanna Trischitta, and Nat McCormick of The Exchange, Blair Ward, Anders Erdén, and Eric Harbert of Orogen Entertainment, Charles Stiefel, and Daneen Stiefel of Needle’s Eye Production, Ali Jazayeri and Viviana Zarragoitia of TPC, Robyn Norwood, Sentwali Holder, and Danny Tanchauco serving as executive producers.

Brainstorm Media’s CEO, Michelle Shwarzstein, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of LAROY, a film that captivated us from the first moment we read the script. The stellar cast and Shane Atkinson’s impressive directorial debut make LAROY a standout addition to our catalog. We are committed to bringing this exceptional film to a wide and appreciative audience.”

A prominent player in the independent film distribution arena since 1995, Brainstorm Media has recently released the home invasion thriller “Dark Windows,” following its world premiere at Miami’s Popcorn Frights Film Festival. Their upcoming releases for this year include the Irish neo-noir “Barber,” starring Aidan Gillen of “Game of Thrones” fame, and the crime drama “Limbo,” featuring Simon Baker.

The deal for “LaRoy” was negotiated by Brainstorm Media’s VP of Sales and Acquisitions, Alex Peters, and Brian O’Shea representing The Exchange. With accolades and anticipation building, “LaRoy” promises to be an intriguing addition to the indie film landscape in the coming year.