Bertrand Bonello‘s “Coma,” which won a prize at the Berlin Film Festival in 2022, has been acquired by Film Movement for North American distribution.
The film follows a teenager who is stuck at home during once of France’s strict early-pandemic lockdowns. Cut off from the outside world, she begins to go back and forth between dreams and reality, guided by a disturbing and mysterious youtuber, Patricia Coma. Represented internationally by Best Friend Forever, the movie weaves genre, animation and live action to explore online behavior and content consumption.
“Coma” stars Louise Labeque (“Zombi Child”) and Julia Faure (“Camille Rewinds”), with voice acting from beloved late actor Gaspard Ulliel as well as Louis Garrel, Laetitia Casta, Anaïs Demoustier and Vincent Lacoste.
Along with winning the Fipresci prize at Berlin, the movie won best picture and best production design at the International Cinephile Society Awards. Film Movement previously worked with Bonello on his popular movie“Zombi Child.” Bonello’s latest film, “The Beast,” a science fiction romance starring George MacKay and Lea Seydoux, competed at Venice last year.
The distribution banner is planning to release “Coma” in theaters in North America during the second quarter of 2024, followed by release on all leading digital platforms and the home entertainment marketplace.
“Bonello is one of the most provocative directors working today,” Michael Rosenberg, Film Movement president, said in a statement. “Never one to shy away from bold ideas and unique filmmaking choices, ‘Coma’ aims to reflect the overwhelming concerns of Gen Z in a creative and engaging way, and, following‘Zombi Child,’ we’re excited to be distributing another film that further cements his standing as one of France’s leading and most controversial auteurs.”
Film Movement’s recent acquisitions include “In the Rearview,” Maciek Hamela’s Ukrainian war doc recently shortlisted by the International documentary Association; Jessica Hausner’s dark comedy “Club Zero”; and DOC NYC Grand Jury Prize winner“Total Trust,” among others.
