Freestyle Digital Media releases psychological horror film Influence

Freestyle Digital Media has released the psychological horror feature Influence on North American digital, DVD, cable and satellite platforms starting Sept. 4, 2026. The film stars Cheyenne Perez and follows a filmmaker whose obsession with a social media influencer turns violent.

Why it matters: - The release gives a new independent horror title broad North American platform access on digital HD internet, DVD, cable and satellite. - Influence adds another genre title to Freestyle Digital Media’s distribution slate and expands the reach of a film built around social media obsession, mental health and identity.

What happened: - Freestyle Digital Media released the psychological horror feature Influence on Sept. 4, 2026. - The film is now available on North American digital HD internet, DVD, cable and satellite platforms. - Cheyenne Perez, who appears in HBO’s The Pitt Season 3, leads the cast. - The film is written and directed by Ryan Moore. - Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the acquisition directly with the filmmakers.

The details: - Influence follows Patricia Abro, a filmmaker struggling with her mental health and chasing a Hollywood break. - Patricia becomes fixated on Ashley Ortiz, a social media influencer and actress, after seeing Ashley as a last major opportunity. - Patricia pitches a custom project to Ashley and is rejected. - Patricia then gets a gun, breaks into Ashley’s home and takes her hostage. - The story turns into a psychological cat-and-mouse game that ends in a surprising and bloody climax. - Ryan Moore produced the film with Ben Whalen and KT Kent. - The cast also includes Grace Kaufman, Emily Hall, David Lengel and Hilty Bowen. - Kaufman appeared in The Sky Is Everywhere. - Hall appeared in Animal Kingdom. - Lengel appeared in WandaVision. - Bowen appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. - Moore described the film as a story about the “dangerous space where performance becomes identity.” - Moore also said the film examines two people trapped by the versions of themselves they have created. - More information

Between the lines: - Influence uses influencer culture as a horror device, which fits a broader trend of films treating online identity and validation as sources of tension. - The movie’s premise suggests a focus on control, obsession and the collapse between public image and private self. - Freestyle Digital Media’s direct deal with the filmmakers signals a conventional indie distribution path rather than a studio launch.

What's next: - The film will continue rolling out across North American digital and physical home-entertainment channels. - Freestyle Digital Media is likely to promote Influence alongside its broader library of independent films. - Viewer response on VOD platforms will help determine the film’s wider visibility in the horror market.

The bottom line: - Influence arrives as a timely indie horror film about ambition, obsession and the cost of living for the audience.