Imagine this: A Danny DeVito-directed thriller, boasting a stellar cast, locked away on a shelf for over a decade. Sounds intriguing, right? This is the reality of “St. Sebastian,” a 2012 horror film that, despite its promising premise, remains unseen by the public. From his breakout role in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” to his iconic portrayal of Frank Reynolds in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Danny DeVito has consistently entertained us. He’s proven his talent both in front of and behind the camera, with directing credits like “Throw Momma from the Train” and “The War of the Roses” showcasing his mastery of dark comedy. But here’s where it gets controversial…”
After the box office disappointment of “Hoffa” in 1992, DeVito’s directorial projects became less frequent. Following the back-to-back failures of “Death to Smoochy” and “Duplex,” it seemed like his directing career had stalled. However, the truth is far more complex. While you might assume DeVito hasn’t directed since “Duplex,” you’d be mistaken.
Completed in 2012, “St. Sebastian” was presented at the Cannes Film Festival that year, but sadly, it failed to secure a distributor. This is a significant loss, especially considering the film features a remarkable cast, including the late, great Lance Reddick, Constance Zimmer, William Fichtner, and Lawrence Gilliard Jr. Just the chance to see Reddick’s performance should be enough to warrant a release! The premise itself is also captivating.
According to Deadline, the film is set during an apocalyptic war in an abandoned hospital, which becomes a refuge for a wounded cop, a wounded murderer, and a sultry nurse. These characters, initially antagonists, find themselves lost within the hospital’s labyrinthine structure, and the story gradually reveals the reasons for their unexpected convergence.
In 2012, DeVito himself expressed his excitement about directing the film, calling it his first foray into the thriller genre and enjoying the challenge of creating an 89-minute edge-of-your-seat experience. A year later, he discussed the film’s production, mentioning the use of an Alexa Camera and Final Cut for editing. He also highlighted the accessibility of filmmaking, acknowledging that anyone with a recording device can create and share their own movies.
This suggests “St. Sebastian” is a smaller-scale film, likely driven by strong performances. Given the talent involved, this is exciting. DeVito has always been excellent at directing actors, and it would be fascinating to see him explore his darker side without relying on comedic elements.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Why hasn’t this film been released? What challenges did it face in finding a distributor? Perhaps DeVito could consider making it available online, allowing audiences to finally experience this lost thriller.
What are your thoughts? Do you think “St. Sebastian” deserves a wider audience? Would you be interested in seeing it? Share your opinions in the comments below!