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Controversial Horror-Comedy ‘Fuck My Son’ Set for Theatrical Release

Artistic representation of the horror-comedy film 'Fuck My Son'.

Toronto, October 2, 2025

News Summary

‘Fuck My Son’, an X-rated horror-comedy directed by Todd Rohal, is slated for a theatrical release after its debut at TIFF. The film, based on Johnny Ryan’s comic, showcases a mother who kidnaps a woman for her disfigured son. Featuring mixed reactions during its festival screening, the release will be managed by a filmmaker-led collective aiming to maintain creative control and demonstrate the viability of independent cinema. Screenings will commence in mid-October, emphasizing a communal viewing experience.

Toronto — A controversial, X-rated horror-comedy titled “Fuck My Son” is set for a theatrical release managed by a filmmaker-led collective, following a divisive festival debut that included laughter, groans and walkouts. The film’s release strategy prioritizes retaining creative ownership and staging a theatrical-only run that the filmmakers say is intended to be experienced communally.

Key facts and immediate news

“Fuck My Son” is an X-rated horror-comedy directed by Todd Rohal. The film is an adaptation of Johnny Ryan’s subversive comic book. The plot centers on an obsessive mother who kidnaps a woman to sleep with her disfigured son.

The film premiered on September 10, 2023, during the Midnight Madness slate at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The screening at TIFF was met with mixed reactions, including laughter, groans, and even walkouts.

The release will not follow traditional distribution models; it will instead be managed by a filmmaker-led collective. The filmmakers aim to retain full ownership of their movie while utilizing industry expertise for the release. The goal is to demonstrate that bold, independent films can succeed in theaters without sacrificing creative control.

Collective and creative team

The collective behind the film includes:

  • Todd Rohal (writer, director, producer, editor, and more)
  • Tommy Lucente (media & entertainment executive)
  • James Belfer (producer/distributor at Cartuna)
  • Gavin Briscoe (booker/distributor at Cartuna)
  • Michael Tully (publicist and writer/director)

Release plan and screening schedule

The first batch of screenings will begin in mid-October 2023, with a commitment to screen only in theaters through 2026 and beyond. Confirmed screening dates include:

  • 10/16-23 in New York, NY at IFC Center
  • 10/23-30 in Los Angeles, CA at Alamo Drafthouse
  • 10/31 – 11/04 in Austin, TX at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
  • 10/31 – 11/01 in Brooklyn, NY at Nitehawk Cinema (35mm)
  • 11/05-08 in San Francisco, CA at Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (35mm)
  • 11/14-15 in Chicago, IL at Music Box Theatre (35mm)
  • 11/28-29 in Dallas, TX at Texas Theatre (35mm)
  • 12/05-06 in Seattle, WA at Grand Illusion Cinema
  • 12/19 in Toronto, ON at Revue Cinema
  • 12/26-27 in Philadelphia, PA at PhilaMOCA
  • 01/02-03/26 in Omaha, NE at Film Streams’ Dundee Theater (35mm)

A trailer for “Fuck My Son” has been released via Variety.

Director and thematic context

Todd Rohal discusses the film’s provocative themes and the reasons behind the choice of an X rating, linking it to contemporary censorship issues. Rohal expresses the film’s intention to be experienced in a communal setting, emphasizing its theatrical-only release strategy. Rohal aims to create a unique cinematic experience that rejects the norms of mainstream corporate filmmaking.

Supporting details and background

The film’s Midnight Madness debut at TIFF placed it within a program known for boundary-pushing titles, and reactions at the screening highlighted the polarizing nature of the material. The theatrical-first, filmmaker-controlled release model departs from common practice in which studios or third-party distributors acquire rights and control release windows. The collective’s stated objectives include combining hands-on filmmaking ownership with industry distribution knowledge to maintain both artistic control and a path to theaters.

Reporting on the trailer release and the film’s festival reception came in the wake of the TIFF screening. The decision to hold the film exclusively in theaters through 2026 and beyond is framed by the filmmakers as both an artistic stance and a test case for alternative release models for independent cinema.

What to expect at screenings

The film’s premise, combined with an X rating and a festival history of mixed reactions, signals that the theatrical presentations will likely be confrontational and intended for adult audiences only. The inclusion of several 35mm bookings indicates the filmmakers are also emphasizing the tangible, cinema-based experience for viewers who prefer film projection over digital presentation.


FAQ

What is the film?

“Fuck My Son” is an X-rated horror-comedy directed by Todd Rohal.

Is the film based on existing material?

The film is an adaptation of Johnny Ryan’s subversive comic book.

What is the basic plot?

The plot centers on an obsessive mother who kidnaps a woman to sleep with her disfigured son.

When and where did it premiere?

The film premiered on September 10, 2023, during the Midnight Madness slate at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

How did audiences react at TIFF?

The screening at TIFF was met with mixed reactions, including laughter, groans, and even walkouts.

Who is managing the release?

The release will not follow traditional distribution models; it will instead be managed by a filmmaker-led collective.

What are the filmmakers’ goals?

The filmmakers aim to retain full ownership of their movie while utilizing industry expertise for the release.

What is the larger objective?

The goal is to demonstrate that bold, independent films can succeed in theaters without sacrificing creative control.

Who is in the collective?

The collective behind the film includes: Todd Rohal (writer, director, producer, editor, and more); Tommy Lucente (media & entertainment executive); James Belfer (producer/distributor at Cartuna); Gavin Briscoe (booker/distributor at Cartuna); Michael Tully (publicist and writer/director).

When do screenings start and what is the long-term plan?

The first batch of screenings will begin in mid-October 2023, with a commitment to screen only in theaters through 2026 and beyond.

Are the screening dates available?

Confirmed screening dates include: 10/16-23 in New York, NY at IFC Center; 10/23-30 in Los Angeles, CA at Alamo Drafthouse; 10/31 – 11/04 in Austin, TX at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar; 10/31 – 11/01 in Brooklyn, NY at Nitehawk Cinema (35mm); 11/05-08 in San Francisco, CA at Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (35mm); 11/14-15 in Chicago, IL at Music Box Theatre (35mm); 11/28-29 in Dallas, TX at Texas Theatre (35mm); 12/05-06 in Seattle, WA at Grand Illusion Cinema; 12/19 in Toronto, ON at Revue Cinema; 12/26-27 in Philadelphia, PA at PhilaMOCA; 01/02-03/26 in Omaha, NE at Film Streams’ Dundee Theater (35mm).

Was a trailer released?

A trailer for “Fuck My Son” has been released via Variety.

What has the director said about the film’s intent?

Todd Rohal discusses the film’s provocative themes and the reasons behind the choice of an X rating, linking it to contemporary censorship issues. Rohal expresses the film’s intention to be experienced in a communal setting, emphasizing its theatrical-only release strategy. Rohal aims to create a unique cinematic experience that rejects the norms of mainstream corporate filmmaking.


Feature Detail
Title “Fuck My Son”
Genre X-rated horror-comedy
Director Todd Rohal
Source Adaptation of Johnny Ryan’s subversive comic book
Premiere September 10, 2023, Midnight Madness at TIFF
Distribution model Filmmaker-led collective; theatrical-only through 2026 and beyond
Trailer Released via Variety

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STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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