Mélanie Laurent’s English-language directing debut has found a home. A press release announced that RLJE Films acquired all U.S. rights to Elle Fanning-starrer “Galveston” with a theatrical release planned in the fall. The pulpy thriller premiered at SXSW in March.

Based on “True Detective” creator Nic Pizzolatto’s novel of the same name, “Galveston” tells the story of Roy (Ben Foster, “Hell or High Water”), a heavy-drinking hitman who gets double crossed by his boss. He heads to Galveston to plot his revenge and reluctantly takes Rocky (Fanning), a young woman he finds being held captive, along for the journey.

“Elle Fanning and Ben Foster deliver powerful performances in this provoking drama,” said Mark Ward, Chief Acquisitions Officer for RLJE Films. “Their chemistry captures audiences on a gripping, emotional ride. We are so proud to bring this film to the big screen.“

Fanning most recently portrayed “Frankenstein’s” famed author in Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “Mary Shelley” and a punk-loving alien in “How to Talk to Girls at Parties.”

Laurent’s other features include “Diving” and “Breathe.” In 2016 she won a César Award — France’s equivalent to an Oscar — for her doc “Demain.”

Best known stateside for her acting, the French multi-hyphenate’s on-screen credits include “Beginners,” “Now You See Me,” and “Inglourious Basterds.”