A dramatic thriller starring “The Apprentice” and “Bodies Bodies Bodies” breakout Maria Bakalova has sold to Level 33 Entertainment for domestic theatrical release.
The sales and distribution entity will take “Elecrtra” out day and date on May 2. The film marks the directorial debut of Hala Matar, an influential filmmaker in the worlds of high fashion and music videos. Matar is also credited as the first Bahraini woman in history to complete a feature film.
“Electra” is described as a potboiler in the vein of “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Saltburn.” Bakalova stars with Abigail Cowen (Netflix’s “Fate: the Winx Saga”) and Jack Farthing (“Spencer,” “Rain Dogs”). Daryl Wein, a producer and script co-writer on the project, also co-stars.
Packaged and shot in Italy, “Electra” follows two journalists who travel to the lush Italian villa of a famous musician and his partner for an interview, but all is not as it seems and the trip spirals into deceit and deadly betrayals.
Andreas Olavarria, president and CEO at Level 33, described the film as a “fun, fresh cinematic experience from a bold and original new voice in filmmaking. We are thrilled to bring this vibrant, entertaining film to audiences.”
Matar’s resume includes buzzy work for Moncler, Louis Vuitton and Chanel. The director said her debut film aims to “explore the dangers of leaving wounds unhealed and the masks we wear to belong — how avoiding the hard work of self-confrontation only deepens the fracture.” She and Paul Sado are also credited screenwriters.
Additional producers include Jordan Yale Levine and Jordan Beckerman of Yale Productions, Tommaso Bertani of Ring Film and Luca Cottafavi. Executive producers include Elsa Ramo, Tiffany Boyle, Nicholas Donnermeyer, Rami Farook, Will Hirschfeld, Scott Levenson and Jason Kringstein.
The deal was negotiated by Donnermeyer of Great Escape on behalf of the filmmakers and Olavarria for Level 33 Entertainment.