Universal has acquired Matthew Ross’ drama Frank & Lola. A source pegged the deal at $2 million.
Though the studio is buying the adult drama, it won’t be doing the releasing. Instead, a third party, still to be determined, will give the film a theatrical release, likely Focus World or a specialty distributor.
Set in Las Vegas and Paris, Frank & Lola stars Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots as a couple trapped in a cycle of love, obsession, sex, betrayal, revenge and, eventually, redemption. Ross also wrote the screenplay.
Michael Nyqvist, Justin Long, Emmanuelle Devos and Rosanna Arquette co-star.
The pic made its world premiere Jan. 27 at the Sundance Film Festival and began screening for buyers on Jan. 23.
Frank & Lola is playing in the fest’s Premieres section and marks journalist-turned-filmmaker Ross’ feature directorial debut. The film is seen as a potential awards-season contender for Shannon.
In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, Stephen Farber wrote: “Shannon’s performance is the main attraction of this dark character drama, but it also boasts a seductive atmosphere and some penetrating insights into the male psyche.”
John Baker, Jay Van Hoy, Lars Knudsen and Christopher Ramirez produced the film. Christine Vachon, David Hinojosa, Kevin Iwashina, Arnaldo Gomez III, Robert Halmi Jr. and Jim Reeve executive produced.
CAA and Preferred Content repped the filmmakers.
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