By: William Jones
Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Breed of Greed, a supernatural psychological thriller from acclaimed director Ralph Hemecker (Once Upon a Time). The film premiered in theaters and on VOD across the U.S. and Canada on Friday, September 26th, as one of the fall’s most anticipated releases for both horror fans and lovers of sharp, satirical storytelling.
At its heart, Breed of Greed tells the story of the Wendolyn family, a once-dominant dynasty in the pharmaceutical industry whose vast fortune begins to crumble after the sudden death of its patriarch. With the family gathered to settle the estate, long-buried rivalries erupt into vicious battles for control. But as the heirs circle one another like predators, wayward son Henry Wendolyn, played by Andrew Boszhardt, stumbles upon a potentially more sinister truth. Beyond the petty jealousies and backroom deals, an otherworldly force is quietly at work, one that thrives on the very greed that is gradually tearing his family apart.
The creative team behind the film leans heavily into this blend of real-world satire and supernatural menace. Boszhardt, who not only stars as Henry but also co-wrote and produced the film alongside Hemecker and Otto Eckstein, described their vision as both relevant and enduring. “We wanted to make a film that was topical but also timeless,” Boszhardt explained. “Everyone loves a good downfall story, and we tried to make one that was entertaining and fun, not preachy. We could not be more excited to have Vertical as our partner.”
The cast combines veteran talent with emerging names, creating a dynamic ensemble that mirrors the story’s generational clash. Leading the lineup is Gina Gershon, known for iconic turns in Bound and Face/Off, bringing gravitas and charisma to the fractured Wendolyn clan. She is joined by Chelsea Gilligan (Star-Crossed), Madison Lewis (Alexander IRL), and Adrian Enscoe (Dickinson), who inject fresh energy into the mix. The combination of Gershon’s seasoned presence and the younger cast’s vital energy elevates the film’s tension and emotional stakes.
For Vertical, the film represents the kind of daring, genre-driven storytelling the distributor has become known for. Tony Piantedosi, the company’s Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, praised the balance of thrills and satire that Breed of Greed manages to strike. “Ralph has done a remarkable job of balancing horror thrills with a dark sense of humor rooted in modern headlines of the privileged class,” he said. “We look forward to presenting the film to North American audiences.”
The blend of tones, part supernatural horror, part biting social commentary, is what sets Breed of Greed apart from typical genre fare. While family sagas of wealth and corruption have long been staples of drama, the film adds a unique twist by suggesting that greed itself may be more than a human flaw. By symbolizing the idea of avarice as a parasitic force, the filmmakers invite audiences to reflect on contemporary obsessions with power, inheritance, and privilege, all while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
Photo Courtesy: Vertical Entertainment / Breed of Greed (Andrew Boszhardt and Adrian Enscoe)
The release also comes at a moment when Vertical is expanding its already impressive slate. The distributor’s upcoming lineup includes My Mother’s Wedding, directed by Kristin Scott Thomas and starring Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham, and Freida Pinto; Ron Howard’s festival favorite Eden, featuring Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, and Sydney Sweeney; and the SXSW standout The Threesome, directed by Chad Hartigan and starring Zoey Deutch. With projects like these, Vertical continues to build its reputation as a tastemaker in both prestige drama and bold genre filmmaking. With its potent cocktail of family scandal, supernatural suspense, and razor-edged humor, Breed of Greed is sparking conversations and sending chills down the spines of audiences.
