Brittany Snow’s SXSW Prize Winner ‘Parachute’ Lands At Vertical

EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired North American rights to Parachute, the romantic drama marking the directorial debut of actress Brittany Snow (X), which won multiple awards in its debut at SXSW 2023, recognizing Snow and star Courtney Eaton (Yellowjackets). The film from Yale Productions, also starring Thomas Mann (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), is set to open in select theaters on April 5.

Written by Snow and Becca Gleason (Summer ’03), Parachute boasts a starry cast that also includes Gina Rodriguez (Not Dead Yet), Dave Bautista (Dune: Part Two), Joel McHale (Community), Francesca Reale (Yes, God, Yes), and Scott Mescudi aka Kid Cudi (Silent Night).

The film tells the story of Riley (Eaton), a fun and energetic young woman who struggles with an eating disorder and body image issues, and Ethan (Mann), a once-promising musician approaching the end of his 20s, watching as the two meet and just “click.” To Ethan, all of Riley’s flaws are beautiful, and he wants to help her see herself the way he does. Riley adores Ethan and is inspired by his talent and selflessness. Their relationship is a balancing act between their love for each other and their combustible personal issues. But they truly feel like soulmates and the world makes sense only when they take it on together.

In a statement to Deadline, Snow shared that she’s “very grateful audiences will see Parachute thanks to the wonderful team at Vertical. Their understanding and passion for this film show how much they believe in complex, character driven stories and narratives which hopefully start a needed conversation. We are so excited to be their partners in this and value how they bring stories to life.”

Calling Parachute “a heartfelt and compassionate story about young love and healing,” Vertical SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi added that “Courtney and Thomas have natural chemistry and give emotional performances that will be especially resonant for those who fall into the world of Parachute. We look forward to presenting the film to audiences this Spring.”

Along with Snow, the film is produced by Jordan Yale Levine, Jordan Beckerman, and Lizzie Shapiro. Exec producers include Clay Pecorin, Russ Posternak, Russell Geyser, Kyle Stroud, Tristin Alexandria, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Tyler Gould, Nicholas Donnermeyer, Jason Kringstein, Scott Levenson, Michael J. Rothstein, Roz Rothstein, Jeremy Rothstein, Jeffrey Tussi, Patrick Heaphy, David Nazar, Brian S. Unger, Scott Fink, Joseph Lanius, Randall J. Bacon, and Gus Deardoff. Co-executive producers include Monica Rothstein, Jeff Rothstein, and Julia Ebner. Bernie Stern co-produced.

Jennifer Westfeldt, Kathryn Gallagher, Ekaterina Baker, Jeremy Kucharek, Celeste Oliva, Rico Paris, Kelley Jakle, Owen Thiele, and Chrissie Fit round out the cast.

Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey and Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of the company, with Great Escape President Nicholas Donnermeyer and Yale Productions’ attorney Ben Walter negotiating on behalf of the production.