Molly Shannon cancer dramedy “Other People” sells to Netflix

PanARMENIAN.Net - Netflix has nabbed worldwide streaming rights to the Molly Shannon-Jesse Plemons Sundance dramedy “Other People”, Variety has learned. Vertical Entertainment has picked up North American theatrical rights for the movie, which will be released in the fall for a campaign targeted at next year’s Oscars.

“Other People” opened this year’s Sundance Film Festival to good reviews and a strong emotional reaction–many at the Eccles Theatre were audibly crying and laughing at parts. First-time director Chris Kelly, a writer from “Saturday Night Live,” drew on his own experience with his cancer-stricken mother to craft the story of a gay comedy writer (Plemons) who comes home to Sacramento to be with his mom (Shannon) following a health crisis.

After its Jan. 21 premiere, the buzz in Park City was that Shannon could be in consideration for awards in the best-supporting actress category for a performance that allows the comedic actress to show a more understated, dramatic side. The cast also includes Bradley Whitford, Maude Apatow and J.J. Totah, who steals the film as a flamboyant teenager obsessed with carrara marble.

Netflix has been very active at the Sundance circuit. It picked up rights to a collection of projects, including “Tallulah,” with Ellen Page; the Iranian horror film “Under the Shadow”; “The Fundamentals of Caring,” with Paul Rudd; and the Indian sex comedy “Brahman Naman.”

“Other People” was produced by Naomi Scott, Adam Scott and Sam Bisbee. WME handled the deal.