Irish Abroad: Magnet Releasing acquires U.S. rights to Ben Wheatley’s Northern Irish filmed High-Rise

Variety is reporting that Magnolia Pictures’ genre arm, Magnet Releasing, has acquired U.S. rights to Ben Wheatley’s Northern Irish filmed High-Rise.

High-Rise centres on a new residential tower built on the eve of Thatcher’s England, at the site of what will soon become the world’s financial hub. Designed as a luxurious solution to the problems of the city, it is a world apart. Enter Robert Laing, a young doctor seduced by the high-rise and its creator, the visionary architect Anthony Royal. Laing discovers a world of complex loyalties, and also strikes up a relationship with Royal’s devoted aide Charlotte. But rot has set in beneath the flawless surface. Sensing discord amongst the tenants, Laing meets Wilder, a charismatic provocateur bent on inciting the situation. Wilder initiates Laing into the hidden life of the high-rise and Laing is shocked at what he sees. As the residents break into tribal factions, Laing finds himself in the middle of mounting violence. Violence that he also finds emerging in himself.

Filmed in Bangor, and directed by Ben Wheatley from a screenplay by his regular collaborator Amy Jump, High-Rise is an adaptation of JG Ballard’s classic British thriller, starring Tom Hiddleston in the lead. He is joined by Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, and Elisabeth Moss. The film is produced by Jeremy Thomas through his production company Recorded Picture Company, with funding from the Northern Ireland Screen Fund, supported by Invest NI and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia Senior VP of Acquisitions Dori Begley and Magnolia VP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with HanWay Films acting on behalf of the filmmakers. Magnet Releasing plans to release the film in the U.S. next year.