Trailer for New Rape-Revenge Thriller from DREAD

Big news today for Dread Central. Variety has officially reported that our very own Editor-in-Chief, Mary Beth McAndrews, will make her directorial debut with Bystanders, set for release on VOD on January 21 via Epic Pictures’ DREAD imprint. Fearlessly leading Dread Central since 2021, McAndrews brings her signature passion and sharp perspective to the screen with Bystanders—a politically charged rape-revenge thriller. It’s a subgenre that is especially meaningful to her.

“Bystanders has been incredibly close to my heart since I first read Jamie Alvey’s script,” McAndrews shared earlier today with Variety. “As a sexual assault survivor, being able to tell this story in all of its gory glory has been incredibly cathartic and liberating. A film like Bystanders is more important now than ever and I’m thrilled that Dread is helping us share it with the world.”

The synopsis for Bystanders goes as follows:

Clare and Gray are your typical loving millennial couple navigating a jaded world. Abby is a sweet awkward teen. When Abby attends a party held by her crush, a rich frat boy hotshot named Cody, the bash spins out of control when Cody and the boys decide to drug, rape, and hunt several of the girls in attendance. When Abby’s path intersects with Gray and Clare’s path, they form an unlikely alliance during a night of chaos and bloodshed as the trio fight for their lives against the collegiate creeps.”

“Mary Beth McAndrews is a visionary in the world of horror, and Bystanders is a testament to her creativity and fearless storytelling,” said Epic Pictures Group CEO Patrick Ewald in a statement to Variety. “This film is not just a chilling experience; it’s a reflection of Mary Beth’s unique perspective and passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre.”

Bystanders stars Brandi Botkin, Bob Wilcox, Garrett Murphy, Jamie Alvey, Chaney Morrow, and Hannah Fierman. Alvey also wrote the film.