FilmRise has acquired U.S. distributions rights to Lois Smith and Jon Hamm’s holographic love story “Marjorie Prime,” Deadline reports. Directed by Michael Almereyda (“Hamlet”), the sci-fi film co-stars Geena Davis and Tim Robbins. “Marjorie Prime” took home the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize at Sundance this year, where it made its world premiere.
Based on Jordan Harrison’s Pulitzer-nominated play, the film is set in the near future and centers on Marjorie (Smith), who “spends time with the young likeness of her deceased husband, Walter (Hamm). This revitalized Walter is a sophisticated holographic projection that provides companionship while stimulating Marjorie’s memory — allowing her to explore their shared past as she lives with dementia,” Deadline summarizes. “Marjorie’s daughter Tess (Davis) and her husband, Jon (Robbins), develop their own complex feelings about the new Walter, uneasily coming to terms with the nature of identity, memory, and our ever-shifting relationship to technology.” Smith originated the role of Marjorie in the stage version of the story. She first played the character in 2014.
According to the source, FilmRise is planning to launch a theatrical release mid-2017 and will “push all the main actors with a targeted award-season campaign.” Smith is currently 86 years old, so she’ll be 87 by the time Oscar nominations are announced. The oldest actress to receive a Best Actress nomination thus far is Emmanuelle Riva, who was 85 years old when she scored a nod in 2013 for “Amour.”
Smith’s career spans nearly seven decades, with film credits including “East of Eden,” “Five Easy Pieces,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Dead Man Walking,” and “Please Give.” “Desperate Housewives,” “True Blood,” and “Grace and Frankie” are among her TV credits.
“We are thrilled to announce our acquisition of this superb Sundance award-winner,” said FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher. “Michael Almereyda has created a subtle and masterly adaptation, and the performances by Jon Hamm, Lois Smith, Geena Davis, and Tim Robbins are extraordinary.”
“Marjorie Prime” will also be available on Amazon Prime Video this year.
