The most promising item from Sundance’s NEXT section in terms of commercial prospects has been picked up for distribution by the Phase 4 Films folks with a perfectly fitted Summer release in the works. Katie Aselton’s The Freebie, a no budget indie film that shot in eleven days has Dax Shepard in the co-lead. No mention has been made as to how much the pic got picked up for, but I imagine its a low six figures. As I mentioned here, the mumblecore-ish project is cute, simple in design and is highly likable thanks the on-screen chemistry between the leads – fans of Humpday will want to check the film out as well.
The rom-com/drama centers on Darren (Shepard) and Annie (Aselton), a young married couple with an enviable relationship built on love trust and communication. Darren and Annie still enjoy each other’s company and laugh at each other’s jokes, but, unfortunately, they can’t remember the last time they had sex. When a dinner party conversation leads to an honest discussion about the state of their love life, and when a sexy bikini photo shoot leads to crossword puzzles instead of sex, they begin to flirt with a way to spice things up. The deal: one night of freedom, no strings attached, no questions asked. Could a “freebie” be the cure for their ailing sex life? And will they go through with it?
