Italian
Mubi secures rights to Luca Guadagnino’s ‘queer,’ starring Daniel Craig
An exciting acquisition for a rising star
In a stellar move further cementing its position as a major player in the arthouse film world, Mubi has secured the rights to Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” across multiple territories. The film, a trippy adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel, made waves recently with its competitive showing at the Venice Film Festival.
The deal details
Mubi’s acquisition spans a vast array of countries including the U.K., Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Spain, Canada, Turkey, and India. It’s noteworthy that the deal excludes theatrical and home video rights for Italy, while another distributor, A24, has already procured U.S. rights. This move underscores Mubi’s unwavering commitment to expanding its slate of high-profile art films.
Plot and characters
Set in the evocative landscape of 1940s Mexico City, “Queer” follows the complicated existence of William Lee, portrayed by the indomitable Daniel Craig. Living as an American expatriate, Lee’s isolated life takes a dramatic turn upon the arrival of Eugene Allerton, played by Drew Starkey, a young student who inspires Lee to seek deeper human connections. Supporting performances by Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery further elevate the storytelling.
Production background
Produced by a collaborative force that includes Fremantle, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, and Guadagnino’s own Frenesy Film Company, “Queer” represents a synergy of talent and ambition. In partnership with Cinecitta and Frame by Frame, this production demonstrates the global effort behind bringing Burroughs’ visionary work to the screen.
Noteworthy premieres and future plans
The film continues its festival journey, slated to premiere in the U.S. at the New York Film Festival and in the U.K. at the BFI London Film Festival. Mubi is expected to announce widespread release plans soon, heightening the anticipation surrounding the film.
Mubi’s growing influence
“Queer” joins a formidable lineup of titles acquired by Mubi, further showcasing the platform’s sharp eye for artistic and groundbreaking cinema. This acquisition trail includes Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance”, a bloody and extreme body-horror film featuring Demi Moore that has set new records for the distributor.
Impact of ‘The Substance’
After a triumphant debut at Cannes, where it snagged the Best Screenplay award, “The Substance” quickly became Mubi’s most significant release, marking its first wide distribution in North America. The film has amassed $13.6 million in just ten days, benefiting from strong word-of-mouth, and is making impressive strides in various markets.
Breaking into the mainstream
The success of “The Substance” signals a pivotal moment for Mubi. With its presence solidifying in mainstream cinema, this R-rated film is currently a major player at the U.K. box office, second only to the nostalgic hit “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”. Notably, the wide distribution by Vue cinemas reflects its crossover appeal beyond traditional arthouse venues.
Looking ahead
Mubi’s strategic acquisitions and expanding diverse slate speak to its rising influence in the global film industry. As “Queer” prepares to enchant new audiences and “The Substance” continues to thrive, Mubi’s trajectory into mainstream cinema looks promising.
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