Monolithic Pictures Acquires Cannes-Selected Feature "Strange Creatures" for US Distribution
Still from “Strange Creatures”, written and directed by Henry Boffin
We're thrilled to announce Monolithic Pictures has acquired the US distribution rights to Strange Creatures, the compelling feature debut from writer-director Henry Boffin that made waves at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival's Marché du Film.
Selected as part of Queer Screen's prestigious "Goes to Cannes" initiative, Strange Creatures joins an elite group of films showcased at the world's biggest film market. The film's journey to Cannes represents a significant achievement for this heartfelt Australian production, marking Queer Screen as the first LGBTQIA+ and Australian film festival involved in the “Goes to Cannes” program.
A Journey Through Grief and Reconciliation
Strange Creatures follows estranged brothers Nate (Riley Nottingham) and Ged (Johnny Carr), who haven't spoken in over four years. When their mother passes away unexpectedly, the brothers are forced to set aside their differences to fulfill her dying wish: to scatter her ashes at the old family home in the remote country town of Narrabri. Setting out across the Australian countryside in a black hearse, they embark on a road trip that forces them to confront the ghosts of their past.
What emerges is a beautifully balanced dramedy that handles heavy subject matter - loss, fractured family dynamics, mental health - with unexpected lightness and humor. Boffin's film refuses to abide by the expected clichés of the road movie genre, instead delivering an authentic, emotionally resonant portrait of brotherly love, grief, and the strange ways we find our way back to each other.
From Melbourne to the World Stage
Henry Boffin is an award-winning Melbourne-based filmmaker and co-founder of Humdrum Comedy, the production company behind the hit TV series Metro Sexual. With Strange Creatures, his feature debut, Boffin draws on his own family experiences to craft a story that's both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The film features standout performances from Riley Nottingham (V/H/S/Halloween, Metro Sexual) and Johnny Carr (All Her Fault, The Survivors, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Five Bedrooms, Wellmania), whose on-screen chemistry perfectly captures the complex dynamic between the Taylor brothers. Shot across 30 locations in rural Victoria over four weeks, often in 104-degree heat, the production itself was an exercise in dedication and creative problem-solving.
Festival Success and Critical Acclaim
Since its world premiere at the Queer Screen Film Festival in August 2024, Strange Creatures has been selected for numerous festivals internationally, including CinefestOZ, Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and Melbourne Queer Film Festival. The film's perfectly paced narrative, impressive attention to detail, and excellent performances have resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Our Commitment to Bold Independent Cinema
This acquisition represents Monolithic Pictures' continued dedication to championing distinctive voices in independent cinema. Strange Creatures is exactly the kind of authentic, character-driven storytelling we're passionate about—a film that balances humor and heartbreak, honoring both the messiness and beauty of family.
We're honored to bring Henry Boffin's remarkable debut feature to audiences across the United States and can't wait to share this touching, honest, and ultimately hopeful story about the strangest creatures of them all: brothers.
Stay tuned for more details about the film's US release.
For press inquiries and distribution information, please contact us at anna@monolithicpics.com.
MORE ON STRANGE CREATURES:
VARIETY | MARCHÉ DU FILM | IF.COM | CINEMA AUSTRALIA | ABC.AU | THE QUEER REVIEW | SCREENHUB
Credits:
Starring Johnny Carr & Riley Nottingham
Written & Directed by Henry Boffin
Produced by Rachel Forbes & Riley Nottingham
Executive Producers Charles Boffin, Christopher J Byrne, Julia Adams, Gal Greenspan
About Monolithic Pictures: Monolithic Pictures is a bold, Los Angeles-based film distribution company aimed at developing features and shorts after the festival circuit.
As industry challengers defying conventional distribution wisdom, Monolithic addresses a critical market gap by elevating underrepresented voices and connecting their stories with young, passionate audiences craving authentic cinematic experiences.
