Dark Star Pictures released today the new theatrical trailer for writer/director Zach Clark’s acclaimed sci-fi genre-bender THE BECOMERS, which kicks off its U.S. theatrical release on Friday, August, 23rd and arrives on VOD in North America on Tuesday, September 24th.
The latest film from the celebrated American indie filmmaker, the visually striking and outrageously plotted film reverberates with the pulse of politics and cultural trends of the last five years —drawing from COVID, Qanon, and constant states of anxiety— while exploring themes of confusion, isolation, and the deep need for human connection through the story of two body-snatching alien lovers. The cast includes Molly Plunk (LITTLE SISTER, SEE YOU NEXT TUESDAY), Mike Lopez (MAY DECEMBER), Keith Kelly, Isabel Alamin, and Frank V. Ross (DRINKING BUDDIES), with narration by Russell Mael, lead singer of the renowned musical duo Sparks.
Best known for the critically acclaimed WHITE REINDEER (SXSW) released by IFC Films, and LITTLE SISTER (SXSW), featuring Addison Timlin and Ally Sheedy, THE BECOMERS is Clark’s fifth feature. Also a celebrated editor outside of his own films, his credits include Sophia Takal’s ALWAYS SHINE (Tribeca 2016), Hannah Fidell’s THE LONG DUMB ROAD (Sundance 2018), Michael Tully’s DON’T LEAVE HOME (SXSW 2018), and Michael M. Bilandic’s indie cult film JOBE’Z WORLD.
Following a world premiere at the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec, THE BECOMERS had its US premiere at Beyond Fest and European premiere at the 37th Leeds International Film Festival. Praised by critics upon its debut, Mashable called it “the chaotic bodysnatchers movie 2023 demands,” with Collider describing it as an “amalgamation of cringe love and Cronenbergian body horror” and Bloody Disgusting stating it “defies easy categorization as it blends absurdist humor with gross-out sci-fi and quirky rom-com conventions… An ambitious voyage aimed to challenge perceptions and occasionally the gag reflex as it examines the power of love amidst a turbulent world.” Filmmaker named it a highlight of Fantasia, hailing the film’s handling of dynamic tones as “toggling between a Jarmusch cool and a Linklater chill.”
THE BECOMERS was shot in Chicago and is produced by Joe Swanberg (HAPPY CHRISTMAS, DIGGING FOR FIRE) and Eric Ashworth. Eddie Linker (GHOSTLIGHT, QUEEN OF EARTH) produced for Slasher Film Company. Daryl Pittman lensed, Fritz Myers composed the film’s original score, and Glamhag production designed.
The film will open in New York on August 23rd at Cinema Village, in Los Angeles on August 30th at Lumiere Music Hall, and in Chicago on September 13th at Music Box Theatre, with filmmaker Q&As and further cities and dates to be announced.
