Susan Sarandon is swapping Bette Davis’ Old Hollywood glamour for ER scrubs. The “Feud” actress is toplining “Vulture Club,” a film about a veteran nurse desperate to rescue her journalist son after he’s captured by a terrorist group. According to a press release, the film will hit theaters later this year, followed by a release on YouTube Red.
The film’s synopsis reads, “After running into roadblocks with government agencies, [Helen] discovers a clandestine community of journalists and advocates who might be able to help her.” Among them are Charlotte (Edie Falco), another mother of a reporter, and journalist Sam (Matt Bomer, “American Horror Story”).
From Maryam Keshavarz (“Circumstance”), the film co-stars Lola Kirke (“Mozart in the Jungle”), Adepero Oduye (“Pariah”), and Sheila Vand (“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”). Keshavarz wrote “Vulture Club” with Jonathan Mastro.
The project’s producers include Anna Gerb (“A Most Violent Year”).
“‘Vulture Club’ follows the singular journey of a woman abandoned by her government who finds community in the most unexpected places,” explained Keshavarz. “It’s an honor to work with Susan Sarandon, Edie Falco, and Matt Bomer, who are the incredible talents, and an innovator like YouTube to tell this timely story.”
“This emotional drama grapples with relevant issues journalists around the world face today. Maryam Keshavarz lends her powerful perspective as an Iranian-American filmmaker, and Susan Sarandon’s moving performance immediately drew us into this compelling film,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube.
“Circumstance” earned Keshavarz an Audience Award at Sundance in 2011, as well as a Film Independent Spirit Award nod in 2012. She’s also helmed an episode of Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar” and documentary “Rangeh eshgh.”
Sarandon won an Academy Award in 1996 for “Dead Man Walking.” She also has a bevy of Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA nominations to her name. Her more recent credits include “Bad Moms Christmas,” “Ray Donovan,” and “The Meddler.”
Falco is a four-time Emmy winner — she won three for “The Sopranos” and one for “Nurse Jackie.” You can catch her next in Lynn Shelton’s “Outside In,” out March 30.She plays a teacher who successfully fights to get a former student released from prison — and ends up developing an intense bond with him. “Law & Order True Crime,” “Landline,” and “Megan Leavey” are among Falco’s recent projects.