Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the North American rights to “Maggie’s Plan,” writer-director Rebecca Miller’s comedy about a love triangle between a young woman eager to get pregnant (Greta Gerwig), a hotshot professor (Ethan Hawke) and his more successful critical-theorist wife (Julianne Moore). Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids”) co-stars.
“Maggie’s Plan” premiered to glowing reviews at TIFF — it was one of the few press and industry screenings we attended that earned applause from the audience — which led to strong interest from not only Sony Pictures Classics, but also Samuel Goldwyn Films, IFC and Magnolia, among others.
TIFF’s Artistic Director Cameron Bailey told us that the film’s neurotic characters and New York setting would inevitably draw comparisons to “Woody Allen territory and Noah Baumbach territory” (Baumbach and Gerwig have, incidentally, collaborated multiple times). But Miller, who also penned the script, is able to bring something different to the table, especially in her portrayal of Hawke’s character. Bailey asserted (and we’re inclined to agree) that Hawke isn’t “let off the hook” for his egomania and philandering.
And while Gerwig’s name is now pretty much synonymous with oddball comedies, she continually offers fresh takes on characters who just can’t seem to get it right. “Maggie’s Plan” is no exception, and Gerwig is beautifully complemented by Moore’s hilarious supporting performance.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures Classics won’t release the film this year, so don’t expect a theatrical run until 2016.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
