Hitting theaters on May 16, 2025, A Breed Apart is a horror comedy film with a different breed of dog. Audiences are excitedly clamoring to see it, as it reinvigorates the original 1984 film with the same title. Nick Mastandrea, who directed this rather loose remake, has every intention of honoring Corman’s film. Beyond bringing some much-needed representation to the genre, this film revitalizes the genre itself by combining genuine laughs with murderous frights. The movie features an excellent group of actors, like Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, and Hayden Panettiere. Their stories animate a diverse cast of social changers trying to survive—and ultimately overcoming—an unforeseen and deadly social collapse.
The original A Breed Apart first appeared in theaters in 1984 with the legendary Rutger Hauer. As the years have gone by, it has developed an intense cult following. The 2025 edition keeps the music title but moves the action to a present-day world focused on social media stars. The characters take an exciting trip to a private island. There, they must confront the most nightmarish obstacle yet — genetically modified canines that have been genetically altered to crush and murder. This one-of-a-kind concept makes for one blockbuster of a film! It does a masterful job between horror and comedy, which allows it to reach a broader audience.
Mastandrea’s directorial approach is clearly to keep the proceedings both joyful and not too self-important. The film’s implemented critique takes a plunge into the absurdity of present day influencer culture. Simultaneously, it throws its protagonists into a battle to the death with these terrifying pooches. The dogs, which were bred on the island at an now-abandoned training compound, are an effective combination of horror and dark humor. This unique combination of elements is what makes A Breed Apart more than just another horror movie.
Even within the international sci-fi genre, this remake invites comparisons to another highly regarded work. As a side note, Wes Craven produced the 2006 film The Breed, which has quite a few thematic similarities to A Breed Apart. While Craven’s film focused on survival against hostile creatures, Mastandrea’s adaptation leans toward humor and social commentary, making it a distinct entry in the horror comedy genre.
Lionsgate is set to release A Breed Apart in select U.S. theaters and on Video on Demand (VOD), allowing audiences to choose their preferred viewing method. A release plan that’s carefully coordinated to reach enthusiasts of the first movie. It needs to find new audiences, particularly among fans of horror comedies.