In what is shaping up to be a rather thin season, could a small but formidable film, written and directed by a filmmaker with three Oscar winners in his family, find its way into contention? That’s what is betting on in acquiring the U.S. distribution rights for ’s impressive directorial debut , a black-and-white indie about a once-renowned boxer — played by Huston’s former costar — as he takes a redemptive journey through his past and present on the day of his first fight since he was released from prison.
Indeed, the upstart distributor has already begun mounting an awards campaign for the film, which also stars , , , , (another alum) and — coming out of retirement to make a brief but shattering appearance — Oscar winner . The vets at Perception PR, who helped Neon guide to the best picture Oscar, have been hired to coordinate the effort. And Huston’s reps at CAA have been rallying grassroots support for months, going back to a star-studded March 26 screening at the agency, attendees of which included , , and the filmmaker’s uncle, .
strikes me as having real breakout awards potential. Huston has a great shot at noms for the best breakthrough director Gotham Award and best first feature Spirit Award. ’s monochrome lensing will surely contend for various best cinematography honors.
And, above all, the performance by Pitt — long a great actor but one who has struggled to find roles worthy of his talents — could land recognition, certainly in the gender-blending lead acting categories of the Gotham and Spirit awards, but, with some championing by critics, perhaps beyond that. Indeed, one would be well advised to remember that a bunch of indie films with small distributors — among them (Newmarket Films), (Newmarket Films), (Fine Line Features), (Overture Films), (Oscilloscope Laboratories), (CBS Films) and (Momentum Pictures) — were just “little-indies-that-could” until they ultimately, well, , by landing a nom in one of the acting Oscar categories. Some observers expected that — the producers of which include Huston, ( and both films), , and the inimitable — would factor into last awards season.
After all, it premiered at the Venice Film Festival and went on to screen at the Mill Valley, SCAD, Newport Beach and Austin fests, as well, several of which recognized Huston with special honors. But there was not long enough of a runway to give the understated film the build-up that it would require, and so it was held for 2024. It is now set to debut in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Nov.
15, followed by a nationwide expansion. is pleased to exclusively debuts its trailer: “I am filled with such immense gratitude to bring to theaters this fall,” Huston tells . “It was my goal to make something honest and relatable about the complexities of life that asks the eternal question: How far are we willing to go for the ones we love? I was blessed to have worked with the most incredible cast, who brought these characters to life with such passion, anchored by Michael C.
Pitt’s achingly beautiful performance. As well as a crew whose hard work and tenacity shows in every frame. In a constantly evolving business, it takes a committed village to bring a film like this one to audiences and our partners, Falling Forward Films and PMI, helped make this possible through their unwavering support.
I’ve loved every second of making this movie and I am beyond excited to share it.” Added Falling Forward Films CEO : “We’re excited to share Jack Huston’s incredible new film, a true standout in the world of cinema. and Productivity Media, along with Falling Forward Films, are proud to bring this remarkable movie to audiences everywhere, and can’t wait for everyone to experience it.
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