2018 Sundance Film Festival Predictions: Craig William Macneill’s Lizzie

Originally this had helmer Pieter Van Hees set to direct, but this would become Craig William Macneill‘s sophomore film instead. Filming on Lizzie took place in Savannah, Georgia in November of 2016, so it was odd that a film that boosts a powerful duet in Kristen Stewart and Chloë Sevigny didn’t plant itself somewhere in 2017. Macneill likely landed the gothic psychological thriller based on the skillset (and outstanding box office numbers) displayed in 2015’s The Boy (read review). Kim Dickens, Denis O’Hare and Fiona Shaw fill out the rest of the cast in the true life almost 20th century American folk tale.

Gist: Written by Bryce Kass, tells the story surrounding the infamous murder trial of convicted axe killer Elizabeth Borden who was eventually acquitted for the 1892 murder her father and stepmother in Fall Rivers, MA. Sevigny will play Lizzie Borden, an ordinary woman who longed for freedom from her father’s cold, domineering control. She found a sympathetic, kindred spirit in Bridget Sullivan (Stewart), a young maid working for the family.

Production Co./Producers: Artina Films‘ Naomi Despres (Kill the Messenger), Destro Films’ Liz Destro (The Little Hours).

Prediction: This could be a premium title for the Park City at Midnight section or receive a coveted Premieres category showing. SXSW will be invested in landing the world preem for this.

U.S. Distributor: Rights Available. WME (domestic). The Solution (international)