Roadside and Vertical acquire Natalie Portman art-world thriller
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Roadside Attractions and Vertical have acquired US distribution rights to “The Gallerist”, Cathy Yan’s Miami-set art-world satire starring Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega. The dark comic thriller will receive a cinema release on 4 December, nearly a year after premiering at Sundance, giving the independent film a route to US audiences through two established specialist distributors.
Portman plays an artist seeking recognition at Art Basel Miami who tries to conceal a fatal accident by presenting the body as an artwork. Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Catherine Zeta-Jones co-star; James Pedersen wrote the screenplay, and Portman is among its producers. Variety’s critic described the film as “facile but fun”, citing clever art-world jokes but also significant plot holes.
- “The Gallerist” will open in US cinemas on 4 December.
- Roadside Attractions and Vertical acquired the satire after Sundance.
- Natalie Portman leads an art-world thriller set during Art Basel.
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The Gallerist is a dark comedy set around Miami’s contemporary art scene, where artists, dealers, collectors and galleries compete for attention and sales. Its story takes place during Art Basel Miami, a major annual fair that brings together wealthy buyers and international art businesses.
Natalie Portman plays an artist hoping to gain recognition, while Jenna Ortega appears alongside a wider cast including Sterling K. Brown and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film is directed by Cathy Yan, whose previous work includes Birds of Prey, and uses a crime plot to satirise the pressures and status-consciousness of the art world.
Roadside Attractions and Vertical are US distributors that often handle independent films, including releases aimed at cinemas outside the largest studio system. Their involvement means the film is expected to receive a US theatrical release after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, an influential showcase for independent cinema.
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Originally published by Variety as “Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega Satire ‘The Gallerist’ Lands at Roadside, Vertical”.