Body Blow to Premiere at FANTASTIC FEST as Global Sales and Theatrical Deals Accelerate

Dean Francis’ provocative new film BODY BLOW will make its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas (September 18–25), cementing its status as one of the most daring genre films of the year. Blending erotic tension, darkly comic twists, and a knowing nod to queer history, BODY BLOW reimagines the classic film noir as a neon-soaked descent into Sydney’s underworld.

Starring Tim Pocock (X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE), Tom Rodgers (JOE VS CAROL), Sacha Horler (THE DRESSMAKER), Paul Capsis (HEAD ON), and Chris Haywood (MURIEL’S WEDDING), BODY BLOW follows a disgraced cop reassigned to Sydney’s gay nightlife district, where he’s drawn into a dangerous entanglement with a charismatic sex worker and a murderous drag queen mobster. The film spirals into a baroque crime story charged with obsession, desire, and betrayal—filtered through a proudly queer lens.

Developed with support from Screen NSW, the film was shot on location in Darlinghurst, and the iconic Stonewall Hotel, capturing the sweaty, seductive chaos of the city’s nightlife with thrilling authenticity.

Following their AACTA-nominated success LONESOME (2022), BODY BLOW marks the second collaboration between JJ Splice Films and Breathless Films, reaffirming their commitment to pushing boundaries in queer Australian cinema. Produced by Dean Francis, Ben Ferris, Ulysses Oliver, and Timothy May, the film has quickly gained global attention for its bold vision and fierce execution.

BODY BLOW has been acquired for U.S. theatrical release by Dark Star Pictures, known for championing transgressive and auteur-driven genre cinema. “Body Blow is a bold, unapologetic film that pushes boundaries in all the right ways. Dean Francis delivers a singular vision that is as stylish as it is subversive.” said Michael Repsch, Principal of Dark Star Pictures. “We’re honoured to be bringing this provocative piece of Australian genre cinema to North American audiences.”

In Australia, Screen Inc will mount a national theatrical release in late 2026. “Body Blow is going to blow audiences’ minds. Dean Francis and the team have delivered a knowing, salacious, stylised and hugely entertaining throwback to the cult genre pictures that we look back on so fondly today. Its world premiere at Fantastic Fest is a bullseye as a platform that will introduce the film to a broad audience.”, said Dov Kornits, head of Screen Inc.

International sales are being handled by MMM Film Sales, with France already sold and several other territories currently under negotiation.

Producer Ben Ferris describes BODY BLOW as “a bold and uncompromising piece of genre cinema. From the outset, it had a clear and distinctive vision — stylised, provocative, and grounded in a very specific queer world. It’s a film that leans into excess while staying emotionally anchored, and that tension gives it real power.”

Director Dean Francis, whose past credits include DROWN and ROAD TRAIN, and who served as producer and cinematographer on LONESOME, adds: “Body Blow is a love letter to the erotic thrillers and taboo-breaking noirs that lit up my imagination as a young queer filmmaker. It’s seductive and dangerous, yes — but underneath the gloss, it’s about power, control, and the way desire can unravel us.”

BODY BLOW will premiere in Official Selection at Fantastic Fest in September, before beginning its global rollout across cinemas and festivals.