Netflix today revealed a first look at Romain Gavras‘ (Athena, The World Is Yours) upcoming mythical dark comedy Sacrifice, set to premiere October 16. Led by Anya Taylor-Joy (The Menu, The Queen’s Gambit) and Chris Evans (Materialists, The Avengers), the film blends several genres as it explores celebrity culture, radical belief, and existential crisis.
Set against the glittering backdrop of a star-studded charity gala packed with celebrities, billionaires and empty speeches, Sacrifice follows a movie star in the throes of an existential crisis, played by Evans, whose evening takes a dramatic turn when he is taken hostage by a radical warrior portrayed by Taylor-Joy and her devoted followers. As the gala descends into chaos, the hostage ordeal becomes both an inward journey and an outward adventure. With reality increasingly giving way to spectacle, the boundaries between performance and belief, salvation and sacrifice begin to blur.
Sacrifice also stars Vincent Cassel (La Haine, Irréversible), Ambika Mod (This Is Going to Hurt, One Day), Sam Richardson (The Afterparty, Ted Lasso), Swedish rapper Yung Lean, Jade Croot (The Death of Robin Hood, Rabbit Trap), Miriam Silverman (Your Friends & Neighbors, Vladimir), John Malkovich (The New Look, Being John Malkovich), Salma Hayek Pinault (House of Gucci, Frida), and Charli XCX (The Moment, I Want Your Sex).
“The inspiration goes from Greek myths to French stories like Joan of Arc. And another myth that is more recent, which is Lord of the Rings. Will and I were writing, and at some point we’re like, ‘Oh, we’re making Lord of the Rings.’ It’s a journey of people wanting to throw the ring of power in a volcano, and we are making the same journey.” Gavras tells Tudum.
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