Variety reports that the U.S. rights to Melanie Laurent’s sophomore feature, “Breathe,” have been sold to Film Movement, an arthouse distributor based in NY.
The feature, based on a book with the same title, is a psychological drama focusing on an intense and dysfunctional friendship between two teen girls: shy Charlie (Joséphine Japy) and daring Sarah (Lou de Laâge). Variety writes, “As their relationship deepens, it quickly transforms into a toxic obsession, leading the two teens toward a jarring and tragic collapse.” Laurent penned the screenplay. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: all-consuming female friendship is underrepresented in film, so we welcome the chance to see “Breathe” tackle this subject matter, especially because it’s coming from the perspective of a female writer/director.
Laurent made her directorial debut in 2011 with “The Adapted.” While you may be unfamiliar with Laurent’s work behind the scenes, you probably recognize her name and face from the big screen. The well-known French actress (“Enemy,” “Beginners”) will co-star in “By the Sea,” Angelina Jolie’s third feature.
“Breathe” premiered at Cannes’ Critics’ Week, where its two leading ladies were recognized with Cesar Awards nominations for best female newcomers. The film will debut in the US at Unifrance’s Rendez-vous with French Cinema on March 7. Film Movement intends to release the film theatrically this summer.
[via Variety]
