Directors of Evil Dead and Get Out Set to Adapt New Internet Horror Phenomenon for Film

“Portrait of God,” a chilling short film by Dylan Clark that gained traction on YouTube, is set to be adapted into a full-length feature. The story centers on a girl who discovers a depiction of God in a painting and embarks on a quest to understand its significance. The upcoming film will star Chase Infiniti, known for “One Battle After Another.” Horror enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the project will be produced by Jordan Peele and Sam Raimi, with Clark returning to direct.

Despite its brief seven-minute runtime, “Portrait of God” packs a punch. It opens with a biblical quote: “No man shall see Me and live,” which is pivotal for interpreting the unfolding narrative. The plot follows a devout girl preparing for an oral presentation on a painting. While some viewers claim the canvas is blank, others insist they see a figure lurking in the shadows. The girl’s interpretation leads her to connect the image with God, framing it as a profound spiritual experience. However, as she delves deeper into her preparation, she begins to perceive something far more ominous within the artwork.

As a short film, “Portrait of God” leaves much open to interpretation, making it intriguing to consider the direction the feature adaptation will take. It could delve into the backstory of the portrait, expand on the original narrative, or explore entirely new themes. Dylan Clark, who was responsible for writing, directing, and editing the short, will co-write and direct the feature alongside Joe Russo. With horror legends Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele producing, fans can expect a carefully crafted atmosphere.

With the growing trend of horror films inspired by internet lore, “Portrait of God” has the potential to become a standout entry in the genre. These films often come with modest production budgets and generate immediate interest from fans, setting the stage for box office success. A recent example is Kane Parsons’ “Backrooms,” which drew from a popular YouTube found-footage series and amassed over 100 million views, showcasing the formula that Lionsgate may be aiming for.