David Howard Thornton, a performer who has built a reputation as a contemporary horror mainstay through non-verbal roles like Art the Clown, takes on his first speaking part in the upcoming indie feature The Dead Place. The movie is slated for an exclusive debut on the BloodStream platform on June 1st, with a wider VOD launch following on August 5th.

The plot centers on Isaac, a high school student portrayed by Idris Veliu, whose life is derailed by haunting visions that isolate him from society. His classmate Katharine, played by Lexi Graves, is the only one who tries to intervene as Isaac’s situation worsens. The arrival of a strange new student, played by Thornton, complicates matters as he nudges Isaac toward an ancient demon, portrayed by Bill Oberst Jr., that is attempting to take control of the boy’s soul. As the malevolent force grows stronger, Katharine must race to prevent Isaac from acting on the dark impulses fueled by the entity.

This film serves as the first feature-length project from writer and director Michael Pickle, produced under the banners of Horror Show Pictures and Dead of Winter Productions. The cast is rounded out by Beatrice Boepple, Suziey Block, and Angel Nichole Bradford.

Beyond its digital release, the movie will have a celebratory theatrical screening on June 10th at Beverly Hills’ Lumiere Cinema, featuring appearances by Thornton and other members of the creative team.