After very successful TV series and documentary ventures, Netflix is getting serious about original feature films. That $60 million buy of Brad Pitt’s new military satire should tell you that.
But it’s not just the giant acquisitions that show Netflix’s determination to be a leader in original feature films. Netflix is apparently ramping up efforts to snag the rights to a bunch of indie films, and are working closely with producers and filmmakers to make this happen.
Netflix has bought the rights to Rebirth, described as a twisted psychological thriller. An ordinary Joe finds himself way out of his depth when a weekend self-help retreat takes a series of increasingly bizarre turns.
Another is Most Hated Woman In America, a film about outspoken atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair. Elizabeth Banks is producing and Melissa Leo is starring. Netflix also purchased a yet untitled indie comedy starring Sarah Hyland and Chris D’Elia. Set amidst the biggest EDM festival in America, XOXO, the film follows six strangers whose lives collide in one frenetic, dream-chasing, hopelessly romantic night.
According to Deadline, Netflix is making a huge indie push and these are just a sampling of what Netflix is trying to acquire to fill out its original film slate.
We also now know two of the four films coming to Netflix from the Duplass Brothers. The first is called 6 Years, and follows a young couple bound by a seemingly ideal love, which begins to unravel as unexpected opportunities spin them down a volatile and violent path and threaten the future they had always imagined. It hits Netflix on September 8th. The next is Manson Family Vacation and will land on October 27th.
Earlier this week, Netflix announced the premiere dates of four of its first original films.
