Olivia Wilde’s ‘The Invite’ and ‘Leviticus’ Near Deal Completion
At the Sundance Film Festival, studios are actively acquiring films, highlighting a resurgence in the indie film market. One notable contender is Olivia Wilde’s latest directorial project, The Invite, which has attracted significant attention.
High Bids for Olivia Wilde’s The Invite
As of this weekend, bids for The Invite have surpassed $10 million. The film, a sexual romantic comedy, had its world premiere on Saturday at the Eccles Theatre, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Key Details About The Invite
- Directed by: Olivia Wilde
- Starring: Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, and Wilde
- Writers: Rashida Jones and Will McCormack
- Based on: The Spanish film The People Upstairs
- Plot: A couple’s struggling marriage is tested during a dinner party with two boldly sexual guests.
Several major studios are currently in talks to acquire the film, including A24, Netflix, Searchlight, Focus Features, Black Bear, and Neon, with UTA handling the sales negotiations.
Neon Moves on Leviticus
In addition to The Invite, Neon is reportedly engaged in exclusive discussions about acquiring Leviticus, a horror film by Adrian Chiarella. This project marks the return of Mia Wasikowska, following a three-year hiatus.
Important Insights on Leviticus
- Working Title: Leviticus
- Estimated Deal Value: Approx. $5 million (excluding Australia and New Zealand)
- Genre: Horror revolving around the theme of conversion
- Stars: Joe Bird and Stacy Clausen as teenage boys facing a menacing force
Leviticus explores complex themes through its narrative, similar to Neon’s previous acquisition of Together, which sold for $15 million last year. The favorable market conditions indicate that several deals may finalize shortly.
Bright Prospects for Independent Films
The focus at this year’s Sundance highlights not only The Invite and Leviticus but also other promising projects like Wicker, featuring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, and Elizabeth Debicki, along with Channing Tatum’s drama Josephine.
As negotiations progress, the indie film landscape appears optimistic. The interest from studios and the positive reception of films indicate a thriving environment for independent storytelling in cinema.
