Written by Matt Grobar, Deadline
IFC Films has snapped up North American rights to Skincare, a crime thriller starring Elizabeth Banks (A Mistake), on which we were first to report.
Also starring Lewis Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick), Luis Gerardo Méndez (Charlie’s Angels), Nathan Fillion (The Rookie) and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Pose), the film is set to hit theaters on August 16. Other titles locked for that frame include 20th’s Alien: Romulus, Warner Bros’ Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, Roadside’s family drama My Penguin Friend starring Jean Reno, and the animated Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure.
A fictional story inspired by true events, Skincare follows famed aesthetician Hope Goldman (Banks), who is about to take her career to the next level by launching her very own skincare line, though complications arise when rival facialist Angel Vergara (Méndez) opens a new skincare boutique directly across from her studio. She begins to suspect that someone is trying to sabotage her reputation and business, and together with her friend Jordan (Pullman), she embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of who is trying to destroy her life.
Produced by award-winner Jonathan Schwartz (Funny Games) and Logan Lerman (Indignation) through Schwartz’ Jalapeño Goat banner, and ILBE in association with WWPS.TV, the project marks the first narrative feature from director Austin Peters, who wrote the script with Deering Regan and Sam Freilich.
Said Scott Shooman, Head of AMC Networks’ Film Group, in a statement on the acquisition, “Austin Peters has cleverly pumped life into the ‘whodunit’ genre by delivering a riveting thriller dripping with noir. Driven by a stellar ensemble cast with a terrific performance by Elizabeth Banks who always commands the screen, we look forward to audiences seeing Skincare in theaters this Summer.”
Stated Peters, “I have so many seminal memories watching films at the IFC Center on 6th Avenue and movies that begin with the IFC logo. I am thrilled to be working with Scott Shooman and everyone at IFC who so value the theatrical experience and I can’t wait for audiences to see Skincare.”
IFC Films is coming off acquisitions of the Cannes selection Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, starring Michael Cera, and Academy Award winner Adam Elliot’s stop-motion drama Memoir of a Snail starring Sarah Snook. Shooman repped the company in the Skincare deal, with WME, UTA, Chris Perez and Natalie Locke repping the filmmakers.
Production Designer: Liz Toonkel
