Marking his first foray behind the lens since wholly disappointing wartime drama The Monuments Men in 2014, George Clooney has finally shed some light on his next directorial effort, Suburbicon.
Based on a script from frequent collaborators Joel and Ethan Coen – the trio will soon partner for this weekend’s Hail, Caesar! – The Wrap has learned that Matt Damon and Julianne Moore are primed to star in the Clooney-helmed flick, which places a laser focus on one seemingly ordinary family thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Stylized in the vein of the Coen Brothers’ Blood Simple, it’s understood that the actor-director’s new film will be akin to a black comedy, one that explores a home invasion in the quiet, titular town. According to the official logline, Suburbicon hosts the “best and worst of humanity” though “when a home invasion turns deadly, a picture perfect family turns to blackmail, revenge, and betrayal.”
Clooney is attached to produce the drama in tandem with Grant Heslov and Joel Silver of Silver Pictures. Due to be pitched to would-be buyers at next week’s Berlin Film Festival, it’s understood that Bloom will sell international rights, with Sony Pictures emerging as an early favorite to secure domestic rights. Here’s what the former company had to say about the project:
“Clooney is an incredible force in the industry. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with the teams at Silver Pictures, Smokehouse Pictures, and Black Bear Pictures. The script is written in true Coen Brothers fashion, which Clooney and the starry cast will bring to life.”
Before stepping in front of the camera for Suburbicon, George Clooney will cause all sorts of havoc in Joel and Ethan Coens’ imminent dramedy, Hail, Caesar!
