The 2008 indie horror-comedy I Sell the Dead, directed by Glenn McQuaid, finally found its footing in the world of distribution, thanks to a deal struck with Anchor Bay on May 25, 2011. This small yet notable film features a cast designed to appeal to fans of quirky, genre-bending narratives. With Dominic Monaghan, best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Lost, as well as the legendary Ron Perlman and Larry Fessenden, I Sell the Dead taps into the cult-film zeitgeist while offering a fresh take on classic horror tropes.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Graverobbing and Redemption
Set in the late 18th century, I Sell the Dead centers on Arthur Blake (played by Monaghan), a graverobber who is on death row. The film opens with Arthur confessing his life of crime to Father Duffy (played by Perlman), a no-nonsense priest who listens intently to his increasingly strange and macabre stories. Through a series of flashbacks, Arthur recounts his early days as an apprentice to a seasoned corpse-nabber, Willie Grimes (Larry Fessenden), and their encounters with the dead, the undead, and everything in between.
What begins as a straightforward career in robbing graves for medical research quickly evolves into a fantastical journey when the duo realizes that not all the bodies they dig up stay dead. Their employer, a deranged doctor played by Angus Scrimm (famed for his role in the Phantasm series), cares little about the condition of the corpses he receives, as long as they fit his bizarre and disturbing experiments. As Arthur and Willie’s graverobbing exploits spiral into supernatural territory, they encounter zombies, vampires, and otherworldly creatures, transforming what could have been a dark drama into a comedic romp filled with gory delights.
The Charm of the Cast: A Genre Geek’s Dream
The casting of I Sell the Dead seems purposefully tailored to appeal to a specific audience of genre enthusiasts. Dominic Monaghan, while known for his more mainstream roles in The Lord of the Rings and Lost, has an enduring appeal to fans of quirky, offbeat films. His portrayal of Arthur Blake is both charismatic and relatable, imbuing the character with a blend of naivety, wit, and survival instinct that makes him a sympathetic anti-hero.
Ron Perlman, a beloved figure in the world of fantasy and horror (with notable performances in Hellboy and Beauty and the Beast), plays Father Duffy with gruff authority, acting as the narrative’s moral anchor while still hinting at a deeper, more complex agenda. Larry Fessenden, who also served as a producer on the film, brings his signature indie horror style to the role of Willie Grimes, infusing the character with a blend of humor and cynicism. Fessenden’s involvement adds an additional layer of authenticity to the film, as he has long been a key figure in the world of independent horror, known for pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Then there’s Angus Scrimm, whose portrayal of the eccentric doctor solidifies his status as a cult icon. Known for playing the Tall Man in the Phantasm series, Scrimm brings the same menacing presence to his role in I Sell the Dead, providing the film with a villain who is as disturbing as he is enigmatic. The inclusion of such a well-rounded, genre-specific cast elevates the film, making it a must-see for fans of horror, comedy, and everything in between.
A Unique Blend of Horror and Humor
What sets I Sell the Dead apart from other horror films is its ability to seamlessly blend humor with horror. While the subject matter of grave robbing, corpses, and reanimated bodies could easily veer into grotesque or overly dark territory, McQuaid’s direction keeps the tone light, playful, and even absurd at times. The film borrows from classic horror traditions, but subverts them through a comedic lens, offering moments of levity in scenes that might otherwise be terrifying.
The chemistry between Monaghan and Fessenden plays a significant role in achieving this balance. Their banter, their absurd situations, and their mutual disbelief at the supernatural elements they encounter make for a dynamic and entertaining duo. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for moments of slapstick, dark comedy, and irony to pervade the narrative, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and entertained, even in the face of the macabre.
Distribution and the Cult Appeal
By May 2011, I Sell the Dead had found its distributor in Anchor Bay, a company known for its commitment to bringing cult and genre films to wider audiences. Anchor Bay’s acquisition of the distribution rights for Canada, the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand marked a pivotal moment for the film, ensuring that it would reach the niche audience it was clearly designed for. The sale, negotiated by Submarine’s Josh Braun, opened the doors for I Sell the Dead to grow its cult following, appealing to international fans of indie horror.
The film’s unique narrative, combined with its all-star genre cast, positioned it as a standout among horror-comedies, and its release through Anchor Bay promised to solidify its place in the annals of cult cinema. With its international release secured, I Sell the Dead offered a reminder of the enduring appeal of indie horror films, especially those that embrace both the terror and humor of the genre.
Conclusion
I Sell the Dead is a film that thrives on its genre-bending premise, bringing together elements of horror, comedy, and supernatural storytelling in a way that feels fresh and inventive. The collaboration between Dominic Monaghan, Ron Perlman, Larry Fessenden, and Angus Scrimm makes the film a treat for fans of cult cinema, while Glenn McQuaid’s direction ensures that the balance between horror and humor is deftly maintained. Anchor Bay’s acquisition of the film’s distribution rights represents a significant moment in its journey, allowing I Sell the Dead to reach the international audiences it was destined to entertain. As a love letter to the horror-comedy genre, the film continues to delight and spook audiences around the world.
