Variety has exclusively learned that Embankment Films, based in London, has closed a big international deal for Joyride, starring Oscar-nominated Olivia Colman. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has acquired Joyride for the global market, except North America and the U.K.
The film is directed by Emer Reynolds (The Farthest) and written by Ailbhe Keogan (Take Me Swimming). Joyride follows Joy (Colman), who is pissed off. She has a baby, but motherhood doesn’t come easily to her. When Joy looks in the mirror, she sees a train wreck and the shadow of her neglectful mother. Mully, a twelve-year-old, has a mom-shaped hole in his life and a conman of a father who preys on his innocence.
Mully is in for a surprise when he tries to flee with his father’s hoard of illegal cash and steal a cab in search of freedom. There’s a huge shout from the back seat. It’s Joy. Hungover and panicked after passing out and still carrying a baby. Joy and Mully flee on a road trip that turns into a rousing, enjoyable experience and a chance for them to rediscover their true self.
The deal between Embankment and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions comes as Embankment, headed by Tim Haslam and Hugo Grumbar, expands its pre-sales slate.
Haslam told Variety, “It’s about an adult woman who needs to find her confidence to be a woman, and a young boy who needs to find the confidence to be a young boy, because he’s grown up too fast.”
The film is expected to go into production in Ireland on June 21.
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