IFC Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Time Out of Mind, the latest drama from director Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Rampart).  The film, written by Moverman and Jeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardener), stars Richard Gere.  It made its world premiere at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival, where it made a strong critical impression.  Since then, the film has become something of festival darling, sparking strong notices at film festivals in New York, the Hamptons, and Rome.

Time Out of Mind marks Moverman’s third feature as a director, following his widely acclaimed 2009 military drama The Messenger (which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay) and his 2011 Los Angeles cop drama Rampart.  Prior to that, Moverman co-wrote the screenplays to Todd Haynes’ unconventional Bob Dylan biopic I’m Not There (2007) and the drug addiction drama Jesus’ Son (1999).  Time Out of Mind stars Gere as George, a mentally ill homeless man battling the unforgiving streets of New York City.  The film chronicles George’s experience as he aimlessly drifts through the streets in search of food and shelter and focuses on his attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter (played by Jena Malone, who is rumored to be playing Robin in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice).  Ben Vereen (All That Jazz), Brian d’Arcy James (Game Change), Kyra Sedgwick (Kill Your Darlings), Jeremy Strong (The Judge), and Danielle Brooks (Netflix’s Orange is the New Black) co-star.

Gere’s performance sparked the strongest reaction while Time Out of Mind was working the festival tour, with many critics suggesting it may be a career best for the actor.  Gere received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the 2012 corporate indie drama Arbitrage and won a Golden Globe for his charismatic turn in the 2002 Best Picture winner Chicago, but has yet to be nominated for an Academy Award.  However, IFC Films is planning a 2015 release for Time Out of Mind, so it’s off the cards for this year’s awards.  “Time Out of Mind is for me 10 years in the making and is certainly one of my most personal films,” Gere said in a statement. “Oren and I can think of no better partner than IFC to support and embrace our film.”

As of yet, no exact release plans have been made public.