More than two years have gone by since we heard that photographer Caitlin Cronenberg, daughter of legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, would be making her feature directorial debut with a thriller called Humane. Now, more than a year after the project wrapped production, we finally know when we’re going to have the chance to see it: Variety reports that IFC Films and the Shudder streaming service have picked up the U.S. distribution rights, with IFC planning to give the film a theatrical release on April 26th. It will then move to Shudder at a later date. Elevation Pictures will be handling Canadian distribution.
Written and produced by Michael Sparaga of Victory Man Productions, Humane is described as a “dystopian satire” takes place over the course of a single day, months after a global environmental collapse has forced world leaders to take extreme measures to reduce the earth’s population. In a wealthy enclave, a recently retired newsman invites his four grown children to dinner to announce his intentions to enlist in the nation’s new euthanasia program. But when the father’s plan goes horribly awry, tensions flare and chaos erupts among his children.
The film stars Emily Hampshire (Chapelwaite), Jay Baruchel (Random Acts of Violence), Peter Gallagher (Grace and Frankie), Sebastian Chacon (Emergency), Alanna Bale (Cardinal), and Sirena Gulamgaus (Transplant).
Humane was executive produced by Martin Katz and Karen Wookey of Prospero Pictures, Todd Brown and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films, and Adrian Love and Laurie May of Elevation Pictures.
Scott Shooman, head of AMC Networks’ Film Group, provided the following statement: “Caitlin has crafted a provocative directorial debut exuding a timeliness and evocative social critique that highlights one of the most assured and exciting new voices to contend with. We are honored to distribute Caitlin’s first full-length feature for its theatrical release and presence on our streaming platform, Shudder.“
Emily Gotto, Shudder’s VP of global acquisitions & co-productions, added: “With Humane, Caitlin has delivered a wickedly smart, humorous and socially relevant thriller with exceptional performances from its outstanding cast. We can’t wait to share this chilling, prescient satire with Shudder members.“
And Caitlin Cronenberg had this to say: “It’s thrilling that my directorial debut is being released by IFC Films and Shudder, two of the most fearless and supportive distributors out there. Scott Shooman and his team have such a keen understanding of horror films, and are the perfect partners to bring this genre-bending film to audiences.” More from Cronenberg can be found at the Variety link.
A few years ago, Caitlin collaborated with her father on a short film called The Death of David Cronenberg.
Are you looking forward to seeing what Caitlin Cronenberg has done with Humane, and are you glad to hear the film is getting a theatrical release before going to Shudder? Let us know by leaving a comment below – and while you’re scrolling down, take a look at this image from the film: