EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired North American rights to Griffin in Summer, the breakout debut feature of writer-director Nicholas Colia, for release in theaters this summer.
Starring Everett Blunck, an up-and-comer who can currently be seen at Cannes in Charlie Polinger’s The Plague, Griffin in Summer is a comedy that cleaned up in its world premiere at last year’s Tribeca Festival, winning Best U.S. Narrative Feature, Best U.S. Narrative Screenplay, and Special Jury Mention for New Narrative Director.
Also garnering Colia a 2025 nomination for the Indie Spirits’ Someone to Watch Award, the film follows Griffin Nafly (Blunck), who is the most ambitious playwright of his generation. He’s also 14 years old and living with his parents in a humdrum suburb. But when a handsome 25-year-old (Owen Teague) enters the picture, Griffin’s life — and his new play — take an unexpected turn.
“Having been lucky enough to travel with our film to various festivals this past year, I’ve been overwhelmed by the warm reception we’ve received from audiences and felt firsthand the hunger they seem to have for this type of comedy right now,” Colia said. “I’m thrilled that, thanks to Vertical, everyone will finally get to meet Griffin.”
Vertical SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi added, “It took all of three minutes of watching this film for it to become clear that Nicholas Colia and Everett Blunck are going to be welcome fixtures in our moviegoing lives for the foreseeable future. We’re thrilled to be partnering with them and the immensely talented team on both sides of the camera to present this hilarious film to North American audiences.”
Also starring Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets), Abby Ryder Fortson (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.), and Kathryn Newton (Abigail), Griffin in Summer was produced by Juliet Berman of Spiral Stairs Entertainment, Bobby Hoppey of Coveside Films, Camila Mendes and Rachel Matthews of Honor Role, and Matthew Miller, and executive produced by Fred Bryant, Cullen Conly, and Alexandra Tynion of Tricky Knot
Piantedosi negotiated for Vertical, with UTA Independent Film Group and Range Select repping the filmmakers.
