Vertical has secured North American distribution rights to the horror film Pendulum, marking the directorial debut of Mark Heyman, the BAFTA-nominated screenwriter of Black Swan.
Produced by Darren Aronofsky (known for The Whale) for Protozoa, Jacob Jaffke (Motel Mojave, X trilogy), and Dave Caplan (C2), the film features a cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper), Phoebe Dynevor (Fair Play), Norman Reedus (Ballerina), and two-time Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook).
Vertical plans to release Pendulum widely on January 1, 2027. Here’s an exclusive first look at the film. The story, written by Heyman, follows a married couple, Patrick (Gordon-Levitt) and Abigail (Dynevor), who travel to a new-age retreat in New Mexico seeking healing after a traumatic experience. Patrick is determined to do anything to help his wife, but grows suspicious of the retreat’s mysterious leader (Weaver), even as Abigail becomes entranced by her. As paranoia intensifies, the couple must decide whether the group’s spiritual practices are genuine or conceal a horrifying truth that could destroy them.
Heyman shared, “Pendulum is a deeply personal film, inspired by real, frightening experiences. It’s a dream come true to see it released in theaters with a partner like Vertical.”
Vertical partner Peter Jarowey added, “With incredible performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Phoebe Dynevor, Pendulum is an impressive and terrifying debut from acclaimed screenwriter Mark Heyman. We’re proud to work with producers Darren Aronofsky, Jacob Jaffke, and Dave Caplan, and we look forward to scaring audiences when it arrives in 2027.”
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