Oscar nominees Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog, “Maria”) and Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “A Quiet Place Part II”) are set to star in claustrophobic thriller “The Zealot.”
The two-hander, being introduced to buyers in Cannes by WestEnd Films, comes from director Vadim Perelman (“House of Sand and Fog,” “Persian Lessons”) working from a screenplay by Bennett Fisher, and touches on themes involving privilege, paranoia, and the assumptions we make about one another.
“The Zealot” follows Hassan, a Somali-American airport shuttle driver in Minneapolis, who is struggling to make ends meet. When Lloyd, a stranded twentysomething at the airport, offers to pay Hassan to take him overland to Chicago, it seems worth the risk. But as the realization grows that his passenger is not what he seems, Hassan finds he is trapped in a terrifying ride which he can’t escape from, knowing that to save himself might put countless others in danger.
Jib Polhemus (“Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “The Mechanic”) produces alongside Michael Helfant and Bradley Gallo (“The Green Hornet and Kato,” “Wild Mountain Thyme”) of Amasia Entertainment. Sean Harner will executive produce. The film is also produced by Canadian production company Van Evera. Lydia Guo from Chandler Fogden Lyman will serve as production legal attorney in Canada.
Popular on Variety
“The Zealot is a journey into the heart of what it means to be human to other humans,” said Perelman, whose 2003 feature debut “The House of Sand and Fog,” starring Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley, landed three Oscar nominations. “It’s about the unseen paths we walk, the choices we make, and the indelible marks they leave on our souls. As a director, my goal is to create a film that not only entertains but also lingers in the minds and hearts of the audience long after the credits roll.”
“The Zealot” is based on Fisher’s award-winning play “Damascus,” which was the second prize winner in the Samuel Goldwyn screenplay contest, a finalist in the O’Neill Conference, and has won numerous other honors.
“It all starts with a great script and this one has haunted me from the first time I read it,” said Polhemus. “The same with Vadim’s exquisite film, ‘House of Sand and Fog’ it will forever be etched in my psyche. When Kodi and Djimon became interested, we knew we had something very special.”
Added WestEnd’s managing director Maya Amsellem comments: “We have long been fans of Vadim’s work and we were immediately gripped by this compelling script which makes you think and keeps you on the edge of your seat. We know in Vadim’s hands and with these two very fine actors the film will be an immersive and intense ride. We are thrilled to be bringing this smart and original thriller to buyers.”
Perelman is represented by Artist International Group. Smit-McPhee is represented by Black Bearand Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan.
Hounsou is represented by Buchwald,Range Media Partners, and Nelson Davis. Fisher is represented by source | management + production.
