EXCLUSIVE: Stranger Things and Elvis star Dacre Montgomery‘s directorial debut is gaining traction ahead of a planned shoot later this year.
Montgomery will star in the film alongside Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise), Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Arlo Green (M3GAN) and Metro International has boarded sales for the Cannes market. Madman Entertainment is aboard as Australia/NZ distributor.
The synopsis reads: “On a beautiful, secluded island, amidst the golden rays and ocean breeze of a stunning beach house, two couples reunite to celebrate a momentous occasion. Until a conflicting memory arises which threatens to tear their relationships apart. With each wave crashing against the shore, the line between memory and manipulation blurs, forcing them to confront a question they’ve tried to forget: What really happened that night?”
Producers are Nick Batzias and Virginia Whitwell for GoodThing Productions (Nitram), Ian Booth (Rams) and Nash Edgerton (Mr InBetween). Pic is being financed with the assistance of Indian Pacific Pictures, chaired by Stephen Langsford (Rams). Screenwriter is Jory Anast, whose previous feature, Went Up the Hill, also starred Dacre Montgomery and premiered at TIFF 2024.
Dacre Montgomery said today: “I could not be more honoured to be directing The Engagement Party, a film with an extremely important and timely message. I’m equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life.”
Montgomery’s upcoming titles include Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire alongside Al Pacino, Bill Skarsgard and Colman Domingo and Legendary Entertainment’s Faces of Death with Charlie XCX.
Producers Nick Batzias and Virginia Whitwell commented: “We felt strongly that this was a special film from the start. It’s a bold and unique exploration of trauma, love, friendship and consent. Writer Jory Anast and director Dacre Montgomery are brave and fearless storytellers and we’re delighted to be working with them on this important film”.
Montgomery is repped by CAA and Sloane, Offer; Sullivan is repped by RGM and CAA; Lee is repped by CAA, Hamilton Hodell in the UK, United Management in Australia, and Hansen, Jacobson; Green is repped by Lion Rock.
