Netflix takes – Netflix has taken U.S. rights to Romain Gavras’ starry English-language satire ‘Sacrifice,’ starring Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Salma Hayek Pinault and Vincent Cassel. The deal follows the film’s Toronto debut and a Cannes market run, with CAA Media Finance
Netflix moving in quickly is a familiar pattern in global film sales. This time, it’s for Romain Gavras’ English-language debut, the starry satire ‘Sacrifice’—with the streamer securing U.S. rights after the film played Toronto last year.
The Cannes market deal was brokered by CAA Media Finance. The cast is one of the reasons the title carries instant buzz: Chris Evans, known widely for Captain America, and Anya Taylor-Joy, fresh from The Queen’s Gambit, headline alongside Salma Hayek Pinault (Frida) and Vincent Cassel (La Haine).
John Malkovich also appears, along with Swedish rapper Yung Lean making his film debut. The lineup continues with Ambika Mod (One Day), and singer and actress Charli xcx (I Want Your Sex), plus additional cast.
The U.S. buyout is only part of the momentum. Netflix’s state-side release is expected after an international theatrical corridor for some territories—though dates haven’t been set, with late summer or fall considered in the mix.
On the international front, the film has already been picked up across a wide spread of buyers. Rocket Science handled deals in the UK with Black Bear. Germany and Austria with DCM. and in Switzerland with DCM as well. Italy went to Eagle. Spain to YouPlanet. Canada to Elevation. Portugal to Lusomundo. Latin America to Sun. and Poland to KinoSwiat.
More territories were lined up too: Prorom/Blitz for EE, Empire for South Africa, Volga for CIS, Adastra Cinema for Ukraine & Baltics, Shaw for Singapore, Pioneer for the Philippines, Front Row for the Middle East, Anuvu for Airlines, and Mis Label for Scandinavia.
The film’s story is built for the kind of audience debate that sales teams love and viewers can’t ignore. The synopsis says ‘Sacrifice’ centers on Joan (Taylor-Joy), a zealous spirit driven by a volcanic prophecy she alone can hear. Her mission is to save the world from a fiery reckoning. With her militia of mystical disciples. she hijacks a glamorous charity gala and takes three hostages: Mike Tyler. a beleaguered movie star desperate for redemption; Bracken. the world’s richest man; and Katie. “who’s just unlucky.”.
They are forced on a journey—“as hilarious as it is epic”—through forest and fire until Mike faces what the synopsis calls the ultimate question: what would he sacrifice for humanity?
The tone also comes through in how the film has already been received on the festival path. Deadline’s Damon Wise described ‘Sacrifice’ as “an entertaining eco-satire with a surprisingly emotional impact.”
Behind the scenes, ‘Sacrifice’ is produced by Iconoclast with Robert Walak, Jacob Perlin and Romain Gavras, alongside Gregory Jankilevitsch and Klaudia Smieja-Rostworowska of Mid March Media, and Giorgios Karnavas of Heretic. Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Evans and Will Arbery serve as executive producers.
Mid March Media and Film4 are co-financing, and the production is in association with Gucci, Head Gear Films the Onassis Culture and Athens Festival. Kate Glover is co-producing.
Netflix U.S. rights Sacrifice Romain Gavras Chris Evans Anya Taylor-Joy Salma Hayek Pinault Vincent Cassel Cannes market Toronto CAA Media Finance eco-satire
So Netflix just buys everything now? Cool.
I saw Chris Evans and I’m like ok this is gonna be good. But why is it called “Sacrifice” if it’s satire lol. Netflix getting US rights doesn’t surprise me though.
Wait, didn’t this already come out like in Canada? The article says Toronto debut last year so I’m confused how it’s still “expected” for late summer/fall. Also Yung Lean film debut?? Idk I feel like Netflix is just trying to stack celebs and call it art.
This “Sacrifice” thing sounds like it was already picked up by like 50 companies in 50 countries, so what does Netflix even mean by “locks U.S. rights”? Like they can’t show it anywhere else? Or maybe it’s already on Netflix in other places and we’re behind… I hate when the dates aren’t set.