Neon Adapts Viral AI Horror Short 'Mora' into Feature Film, Tapping into Dark Web Fears

Neon, the acclaimed independent studio behind 'Parasite' and 'Anora,' is moving to capitalize on a viral horror sensation by developing a feature film based on Sam Evenson's short 'Mora.' The project directly channels contemporary anxieties around artificial intelligence and the digital abyss, centering on a displaced artist haunted by a mysterious woman after using an AI model corrupted by dark web imagery. Evenson, who created the original short, has been enlisted to write and direct the full-length adaptation.

The deal signals a strategic play by Neon to identify and amplify cutting-edge genre concepts with built-in online buzz. 'Mora' distinguishes itself by weaving a classic supernatural haunting narrative with a distinctly modern technological vector—a corrupted AI. This premise taps directly into widespread cultural unease about the unintended consequences and hidden data within machine learning systems, positioning the film at the intersection of psychological horror and tech thriller.

The adaptation places Neon at the forefront of a growing trend where studios mine viral online content for feature potential, especially material that reflects current societal fears. By backing Evenson's vision, the studio is betting that the short film's potent core concept—the dark web poisoning a creative tool—can sustain a broader, more immersive cinematic experience. The project will be closely watched as a test case for translating digitally-native horror into mainstream theatrical success.