Neon Adapts Viral Horror Short "Mora" into Feature Film

Neon, the independent studio known for acclaimed films such as “Parasite” and “Anora,” has announced the adaptation of Sam Evenson's viral horror short film “Mora” into a full-length feature. Evenson, who will write and direct the film, explores the story of a displaced artist haunted by a mysterious woman after utilizing an AI model tainted by dark web images. This project marks Evenson's feature film debut.

Horror Short ‘MORA’ Getting a Feature Film Expansion from NEON

Sam Evenson is not only a filmmaker but also a visual effects artist with credits on major productions, including “Dune: Part Two,” HBO’s “The Last of Us,” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.” He is the creator of the YouTube channel Grimoire Horror, which has garnered over 195,000 subscribers and millions of views for his horror shorts. The original “Mora” short film, released approximately one year ago, has achieved significant popularity, amassing 4.3 million views on YouTube.

‘Mora’ – Neon Adapting Viral Horror Short into a Full-Length Feature

The feature adaptation of “Mora” will be produced by a collaborative team, including Steven Schneider and Roy Lee from Spooky Pictures, Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum from Waypoint Entertainment’s Cweature Features, and Jessica Biel and Michelle Purple from Iron Ocean Productions. Executive producers include Ben Ross of Image Nation and Addison Sharp of Iron Ocean Productions. This project continues Neon’s trend of producing horror films, following their successful releases like “Longlegs,” which grossed $75 million domestically.

‘Mora’ – Neon Adapting Viral Horror Short into a Full-Length Feature

The adaptation of “Mora” highlights the growing trend of transforming viral short films into feature-length productions, reflecting the evolving landscape of horror cinema. As audiences increasingly engage with content on platforms like YouTube, filmmakers like Evenson are finding pathways to expand their narratives into longer formats. This trend not only provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers but also caters to a market eager for innovative horror storytelling.

Horror Short ‘MORA’ Getting a Feature Film Expansion from NEON

While the adaptation has been met with excitement, some critics caution against the reliance on AI in storytelling, as suggested by the film's premise. The phrase “See what happens when you use too much AI, people?” reflects a concern regarding the implications of AI in creative processes and its potential impact on the horror genre.

‘Mora’ – Neon Adapting Viral Horror Short into a Full-Length Feature

• “Mora” will mark Evenson’s feature debut. — Variety

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• “Make a terrifying horror short and you just might end up getting a feature out of it.” — Bloody Disgusting

Horror Short ‘MORA’ Getting a Feature Film Expansion from NEON

The adaptation of “Mora” represents a significant step for Sam Evenson and showcases Neon’s commitment to producing compelling horror narratives. As the film progresses, it will be interesting to see how the themes of AI and creativity are explored in this new format.

Variety Magazine