“You may think that I’m exaggerating, but this is the story of how my town Salem lost its motherfucking mind,” says Lily (Odessa Young, “High Life”) in a new red-band trailer for “Assassination Nation.” Clocking in at just under one-and-a-half minutes, the graphic spot features many trigger warnings, including “toxic masculinity,” “the male gaze,” “homophobia,” “racism,” and “fragile male egos,” each with accompanying footage.
The trailer doesn’t explain why or how Salem is thrown into chaos, but the film’s logline offers some context. “High school senior Lily and her group of friends live in a haze of texts, posts, selfies, and chats, just like the rest of the world. So, when an anonymous hacker starts posting details from the private lives of everyone in their small town, the result is absolute madness leaving Lily and her friends questioning whether they’ll live through the night,” the synopsis hints.
The pic’s ensemble cast includes Suki Waterhouse (“The White Princess”), Hari Nef (“Transparent”), Anika Noni Rose (“Power”), Bella Throne (“Famous in Love”), Maude Apatow (“Other People”), and singer Abra.
“Assassination Nation” made its world premiere at Sundance in January to positive reviews. The buzzy title inspired a bidding war, ultimately going to NEON and AGBO for over $10 million in one of the fest’s biggest deals. It opens September 21.
