Never After Dark Set for September 25 Theatrical Release

Magnolia Pictures announced that the Japanese supernatural horror film *Never After Dark* will open in U.S. theaters on September 25, 2024, as part of its fall slate.

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September

The film is written and directed by Dave Boyle, who co-produces through Signal 181, a Tokyo-based company he founded with actor-producer Kento Kaku. CEO Kosuke Tsutsumi also produces, alongside Aram Tertzakian (XYZ Films), Todd Brown and Toshiyuki Suzuki (United Lounge Tokyo).

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September

Moeka Hoshi leads as medium Airi. Supporting actors include Kento Kaku, Kurumi Inagaki, Mutsuo Yoshioka, Bokuzo Masana and Tae Kimura, each known from recent genre titles.

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

The film earned the SXSW Midnighter Audience Award and the Overlook Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for Feature Film, reflecting strong genre-festival reception.

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

Airi, a wandering medium, is called to an isolated country house where she confronts a grotesque apparition that exceeds her abilities. While investigating the house’s past, a hidden secret emerges, and she learns that the living may be her greatest threat.

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

Magnolia’s press release highlighted the film’s blend of Japanese folklore with modern horror, noting the September 25 release will reach both festival-aware viewers and mainstream fans. Signal 181 and XYZ producers expressed confidence that the award-winning pedigree will drive solid box-office results.

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September

The film’s dual festival honors, including the SXSW Midnighter Audience Award and the Overlook Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, demonstrate recognition within the horror community. As a Japanese supernatural horror film that blends spiritual themes with contemporary storytelling, its September 25 theatrical debut adds a new title to Magnolia’s fall horror slate.

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

• “By MICHAEL GINGOLD It’s coming to frighten a lot more people this fall.” — Michael Gingold, author

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

• “Airi, a wandering medium who spends her life guiding restless spirits out of the world of the living. Summoned to an isolated country house, she comes face to face with a grotesque apparition with powers that defy Airi’s experience. As she digs deeper into the house’s past, a secret comes to light—and Airi finds herself hunted by a far more unpredictable force. For the first time, her greatest adversary is not the supernatural, but the living.” — Official synopsis

Japanese fest favorite “NEVER AFTER DARK” gets a release date

• “Never After Dark won both the SXSW Midnighter Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for Feature Film at the Overlook Film Festival.” — Dread Central

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September

• “The film is produced by Signal 181, the Tokyo-based production company founded by actor-producer Kaku and Boyle.” — Dread Central

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September

Following its U.S. debut, *Never After Dark* will roll out in select international markets, though dates remain unannounced. Observers expect the festival awards to aid further distribution across Asia and Europe.

Magnolia Pictures Sets Japanese Horror ‘Never After Dark’ for September