Freestyle Digital Media sets October release for indie dark comedy 'I Hate Myself and Want to Die'

Freestyle Digital Media will launch J. Davis’ indie dark comedy on North American digital platforms Oct. 6, 2026, with a limited theatrical run starting Oct. 8 at Vidiots in Los Angeles. The film brings a festival-tested title with sold-out premieres and a Wilmington International Film Festival win to VOD and select theaters.

Why it matters: - Freestyle Digital Media is giving an indie comedy-drama a dual-path launch with both streaming and a limited theatrical run. - The rollout follows a festival circuit that included sold-out screenings and an award win, which can help build audience awareness before home viewing. - The release adds another indie title to Freestyle’s slate as distributors keep using theatrical events to support VOD launches.

What happened: - Freestyle Digital Media released I Hate Myself and Want to Die, a dark comedy written and directed by J. Davis. - The film launches on North American digital HD internet, cable and satellite platforms on Oct. 6, 2026. - A limited theatrical run begins with a special screening at Vidiots in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, 2026. - Jay Duplass will moderate the Los Angeles screening. - More theatrical cities will be announced later.

The details: - The film is J. Davis’ second feature. - It world premiered at Austin Film Festival to sold-out crowds, added screenings and strong reviews. - The movie also played the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Chattanooga, RiverRun and the Wilmington International Film Festival. - The film won Best Feature at the Wilmington International Film Festival. - The cast includes Mike Castle, Ali Gallo, Andre Hyland, Meredith Salenger and Leonora Pitts. - The story follows Jacob, an unrealized artist who comes home to the desert after a breakup and plans to end his life. - Jacob’s night goes off course as his mother needs a ride to the drugstore, his cousin needs support, and his best friend wants to get high. - The film moves through parties, fistfights and car chases as Jacob rethinks his life and maybe his death. - The movie was shot in Los Angeles. - Evan Papageorgiou handled cinematography. - Lindsey DeMay designed costumes. - Leonora Pitts produced the film along with Mark Myers, Bert Kern, John Hermann, Rick Rosenthal, Doug Matejka and Samuel Henry Miller. - Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the acquisition with Citizen Skull, Cut 4 Productions and Whitewater Films. - The film page is available on IMDb. - Marketing materials are available in the film’s media folder.

Between the lines: - Jay Duplass’ support connects the film to J. Davis’ earlier feature, Manson Family Vacation, which starred Duplass and debuted on Netflix. - The film’s tone appears to blend bleak subject matter with broad, accessible comedy, based on the festival reactions and the plot setup. - J. Davis framed the movie as a story about transformation and the people around Jacob who can still see his humanity. - Leonora Pitts positioned the release as a chance for both digital reach and a limited theatrical audience.

What’s next: - The digital release begins Oct. 6, 2026. - The first theatrical screening is set for Oct. 8, 2026, in Los Angeles. - Additional screening cities will be announced soon. - Freestyle Digital Media’s broader distribution push will continue across cable, satellite and streaming platforms.