Photo courtesy of Vertical
It was announced yesterday that Vertical has acquired the U.S. rights to AGC Studios’s Poolman, the absurdist comedy caper starring and directed by Chris Pine (Star Trek) following its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023. Marking Pine’s directorial debut, the film‘s cast also includes Annette Bening (American Beauty), Danny DeVito (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight), and DeWanda Wise (Jurassic World: Dominion).
Pine co-wrote the screenplay with Ian Gotler (Doula), and both produced the film alongside Stacey Sher (Erin Brockovich) and Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman franchise).
Synopsis
Poolman tells the story of Darren Barrenman (Pine), a native Los Angeleno who spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live. When he is tasked by a femme fatale to uncover the truth behind a shady business deal, Darren enlists the help of his friends to take on a corrupt politician and a greedy land developer. His investigation reveals a hidden truth about his beloved city and himself.
“Poolman is intricately penned, directed, and passionately brought to life by the multitalented Chris Pine,” said Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey. “He assembled an extraordinary ensemble of creatives, both in front of and behind the camera, and delivered a cinematic experience that is as unique and vibrant as the city it celebrates.”
“I am thrilled to collaborate with Vertical in sharing Poolman with US audiences” shares Pine. “The film was born from my own feelings of being painfully awkward as I was growing up. With Poolman, I tried to reimagine my experience with as much imagination, joy and compassion as I could; giving Darren a journey where he could be a hero because of his sensitivity not despite it.”
The film is executive produced by Stuart Ford, Miguel A. Palos Jr., Linda McDonough, Jeanette Volturno, Rick A. Osako, Jeff Elliott, and Matthew Dwyer. It features an original score by Andrew Bird, with cinematography by Matthew Jensen.
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