“It's just about 54 months from writing the script to getting it to streaming. I'm giving ‘Lyvia’ my last best effort, getting the word out on what platforms she can be found on if people have a desire to screen the film and then I'm bidding her a fond farewell.”

Davis first embarked on the making of “Lyvia’s House” during the pandemic-related shutdowns of 2020. Enthralled by the beauty of her agricultural community, paired with the dark infamy of its past, Davis pondered how she could showcase her visions on film. 

“The romantic and the profane came together in my mind, and inspired me to write the screenplay,” Davis previously reported. “The story is fiction but it is seasoned with many truths.”

It took about two years for Davis and her team to complete the film, a project that was shot nearly exclusively throughout the Yuba-Sutter community. Landmarks such as the Silver Dollar Saloon, the Nicolaus Post Office, Vernon School House, Dukes Diner and Grumpy’s Tavern were all prominently featured, alongside local talent such as Tara Nichol Caldwell, Jared Albano, Jeff Graham, Camille Benner, Cody Martin and Joshua Malekos.

For many, this was the first time they had seen a film being shot with a focus on their hometown.

The film’s marketing caused quite a stir as residents started to gain a sense of pride from the project.

“It was such an amazing opportunity to be a part of,” said Albano, who played a small humorous role. 

“Lyvia’s House” had its theatrical premier at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City on Feb. 10, 2023. From there, it went to the festival circuit where it earned multiple nominations and awards such as the 2022 Best Female Scriptwriter from Toronto International Women Film Festival, the 2022 Honorary Distinction from Athens International Digital Film Festival and the 2023 Best Film Edition from the Macoproject Film Festival.

Now, after its long-awaited return, “Lyvia’s House” will be available for streaming on Oct. 1 on Vudu, Dish and other local cable and satellite providers with additional platforms, including iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.

“Stonecutter Media is proud to partner with bestselling author Patricia V. Davis to bring her first feature film to North American audiences,” said Stonecutter CEO Steve Karel. ‘“Lyvia’s House’ showcases her talent to pen compelling, nuanced characters caught up in a thrilling mystery. The film is a welcome addition to our expansive library of genre titles.”

Actress Tara Nichol Caldwell, right, cowers in fear in this screenshot from the locally-filmed “Lyvia’s House.” “Lyvia’s House” will be available on streaming platforms Oct. 1. Courtesy photo

Described as a romantic psychological thriller, “Lyvia’s House” follows the journey of a young up-and-coming journalist named Tarra Manning. All is well until Tara relocates to the fictional town of River Oaks to be with her boyfriend and aspiring architect, Johny Beers. There, she begins to experience strange encounters and apparent delusions related to her new home, a house that once belonged to an Italian artist named Lyvia. Slowly, Tara begins to suspect the artist's disappearance has something to do with an old string of serial murders. However, her sense of sanity soon comes into question.

“The film might look a bit different from its original premiere and some elements have been changed,” added Davis. 

The role of both Tara and Lyvia is played by Tara Nichol Caldwell, who hails from Sutter. Caldwell is currently attending art school, producing music videos and honing her skills at day trading. 

Caldwell’s co-star, Joshua Malekos (Johnny Beers), is based in Sacramento and has accepted a role in “Gravity Falls,” a horror film which will soon begin filming in New York. 

Jared Albano, a third regional talent, has been quite busy since his brief performance as “Dale the WiFi guy,” a character that added some much-appreciated humor to the dark tale of “Lyvia’s House.” He is currently embarking on his own film-making endeavors and was recently cast in the Lincoln Theatre Company’s production of “Titanic the Musical.” 

Jeff Graham of Yuba City frightened viewers with his portrayal of Fairy-Tale Ed McKay in “Lyvia’s House.” When he’s not acting in local theater groups, Graham can be found teaching and directing students. 

“It’s fun watching them ‘get it’ and then letting their creativity bloom,” said Graham.

Other “Lyvia’s House” actors have moved on to even larger projects from spooky thrillers on Peacock to leather competitions and collaborative immersive experiences. 

“Lyvia’s House” director Niko Volonakis will once again collaborate with Nicholas Levis, an executive producer of “Lyvia’s House,” alongside Brands Cinema for “TAMAWO,” a Pinoy folk horror film also written by Davis. 

“TAMAWO” will primarily be filmed in the Philippines, and the team’s beloved Northern California is also expected to be featured.

For more information about Lyvia’s House, visit lyviashouse.com.