‘The only thing more fatal than the virus… is the cure!’
Side Effects May Vary is a 2024 American sci-fi horror film about a man who takes an experimental vaccine and becomes a monster.
Directed, photographed and edited by J.R. Bookwalter (Mega Scorpions; Witchouse 3: Demon Fire; Witchouse II: Blood Coven; Polymorph; The Sandman; Ozone; Zombie Cop; Robot Ninja; The Dead Next Door) from a screenplay written by producer and star James L. Edwards (director of Her Name Was Christa); actor in Bloodletting; Polymorph; Robot Ninja; The Dead Next Door and Killer Campout) based on a story by Bookwalter and Edwards.
The Tempe Entertainment-Buffalora Entertainment Group production also stars Drew Fortier, Floyd Ewing Jr, Tina Krause, Sasha Graham, Brinke Stevens and Tom Hoover.
Plot:
With the world gripped by a deadly pandemic, science sceptic Glenn Rollins turns to an experimental vaccine as treatment for a lingering sickness. Much to the surprise of his doctor, wife, and friends, the remedy immediately fixes what ails him. However, Glenn will soon discover the only thing more fatal than the virus… is the cure.
Release:
In the US, Side Effects May Vary will receive a limited theatrical by Tempe Digital beginning late January and throughout Spring. The screenings will be a series of one-night-only roadshow events at venues across the country. At select locations, the filmmakers will be in attendance for a post-show Q&A, joined by some cast members.
The grassroots tour kicks off January 27, 2024 on the East Coast with stops in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia PA, Callicoon NY, Worcester MA, and Baltimore MD. Additional dates throughout Ohio are scheduled for February before heading west to Minneapolis, Kansas City, Wichita, New Orleans, Dallas, Austin, and other cities in March and April. The roadshow culminates with an international premiere at the Weekend of Fear festival in Erlangen, Germany on June 28-29, 2024.
Each stop on the theatrical roadshow will feature giveaways, a pop-up shop with collectible merchandise plus the opportunity to purchase Blu-rays and DVDs of the filmmakers’ previous work, and a live post-show question-and-answer session with director Bookwalter, writer/star Edwards, and other special guests. For a limited time, attendees will receive a free surgical mask featuring full-colour artwork from the movie’s poster, a collectible promotional giveaway with every ticket sold.
Unlike J.R. Bookwalter’s previous direct-to-video work, Side Effects May Vary will be exclusive to theaters for the foreseeable future, bucking the current trend of rushing new independent movies to streaming services. The movie will also be screened at a number of film festivals across the US and abroad, with dates to be announced soon.
Teaser trailer:
Trailer:
More J.R. Bookwalter movies:
ZOMBIE COP (1991) Reviews of J.R. Bookwalter’s micro-budgeter
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