Netflix is now making another exciting addition to its increasing list of original films. The video streaming giant has purchased The Discovery, a new movie from writer-director Charlie McDowell. This movie, which will premiere on the streaming giant, explores the consequences of an afterlife that has been scientifically proven to exist.
A movie with brilliant premise and even better cast
Netflix bought the global rights to the movie, which will enjoy a short run in domestic theaters next year, according to Deadline. Jason Segel and Rooney Mara are going to play the couple at the center of the movie, and Robert Redford will play Segel’s father, the person responsible for discovering the afterlife.
The Discovery is set two years after the discovery of an afterlife where millions of people have taken their own lives. It is too early to say, but The Discovery can boast a compelling cast and fascinating premise. It is simple to understand why the streaming giant is so excited about it.
“To describe the story as original doesn’t begin to capture the world that Charlie has created,” Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer of Netflix told Deadline. “Our global viewers are going to love this film,” said Sarandos.
Netflix strengthening its indie film business
Netflix has been working on the deal since November when the project was first brought to the market at AFM. The deal is another high-profile achievement for the streaming service to demonstrate its growing strength in the indie film business.
Netflix’s latest acquisition has less in common with its Adam Sandler deal and more in common with its recent Sundance buying spree and indie purchases. Forgetting Netflix’s movie lineup is pretty easy when the video streaming giant is premiering a new show around the world almost every week, but the company places more emphasis on original content and is beginning to pay dividends in the film world as well.
Netflix has made huge bets on movies from Ricky Gervais, Brad Pitt, Sandler, and Christopher Guest. For a cop movie starring Will Smith, the streaming service is getting into bidding wars with studio heavyweights.
In pre-market trading today, Netflix shares were in the green. Year to date, the stock is down almost 20%, while in the last year, it is down almost 1%. The stock has a 52-week high of $133.27 and a 52-week low of $79.95.
