Critics loved Nikyatu Jusu‘s “Nanny” at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Now, moviegoers may see what all the fuss is about as the horror film hits limited theaters today. Not near any theater showing it? Not to worry: “Nanny” streams exclusively on Prime Video starting December 16.
READ MORE: ‘Nanny’ Director Nikyatu Jusu On Her Buzzy Supernatural Thriller [Sundance Interview]
And as “Nanny” hits theaters, Jusu’s next projects gain momentum. Last month, news broke that the director may helm a sequel to George A. Romero‘s 1968 classic “Night Of The Living Dead,” an exciting prospect. But Jusu may upgrade one of her short films first. Bloody Disgusting reports (via Deadline) that Jusu will direct a feature-length adaptation of her 2019 vampire shirt “Suicide By Sunlight” for her next film. And she’ll be in good company for it. Jordan Peele‘s banner Monkeypaw Productions backs the film, part of Monkeypaw’s overall deal with Universal Pictures.
“Suicide By Sunlight” tells the story of a woman in near-future New York City who finds it hard to suppress her bloodlust when her estranged twin daughters meet an unknown woman. Natalie Paul plays Valentina, the short’s protagonist, but no word if she will return to reprise the part yet. Jusu writes the feature’s screenplay with Fredrica Bailey.
“My project with Monkeypay is an expansion of a short film I made called “Suicide By Sunlight,” Jusu said at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event this past weekend,” about day-walking Black vampires who are protected from the sun by their melanin.” Along with the maternal and feminine aspects of the above synopsis, expect a distinct take on women’s horror from this film.
As for her new “Night Of The Living Dead” film, Jusu expressed excitement about the project at the same Deadline event. “The original made social commentary about racism and classism and all the -isms, and the best zombie films make commentary on humanity,” the director said. “I have the blessing from…George Romero’s estate, and so that feels really good because it feels organic.” “Shameless” and “The Walking Dead” writer LaToya Morgan pens the script for Jusu on that project.
So, is Nikyatu Jusu a horror director to keep an eye on? Based on these two upcoming movies, that’s a safe bet. But let’s see how “Nanny” does with moviegoers and on Prime Video before calling her a great hope for the genre. In the meantime, watch “Suicide By Sunlight” below.