Last year, Jason Blum’s comments about female directors (for which he has since apologized) represented a much broader issue at play – the idea that “there aren’t that many female directors.” It’s a fallacy that permeates most of the film industry. As such, these directors (of which there are many, to be sure) are given very few opportunities to make the jump to the mainstream, and usually only get offered studio fare when the subject matter involves a female presence (sure, Patty Jenkins can direct “Wonder Woman,” but she’s probably not going to get offered the next “Star Wars”).
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That’s why it’s refreshing and empowering to see a female filmmaker cross over into the mainstream despite the significant roadblocks in place against them, and that’s precisely what Reed Morano intends to do with her espionage thriller “The Rhythm Section.”
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Morano is coming off Emmy-winning direction for “The Handmaid’s Tale” and critical acclaim for the apocalypse dramedy “I Think We’re Alone Now,” making her as ready as anyone to direct a studio film. With her distinct visual style and a knack for bringing emotionally wrenching moments to the screen, audiences have more than enough to look forward to for her take on the spy mystery. You can read the synopsis and watch the trailer below.
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Blake Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick, an ordinary woman on a path of self-destruction after her family is tragically killed in a plane crash. When Stephanie discovers that the crash was not an accident, she enters a dark, complex world to seek revenge on those responsible and find her own redemption. Based on the novel by Mark Burnell, from director Reed Morano (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and the producers of the James Bond film series, The Rhythm Section also stars Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown.
Continuing her hot streak from “The Shallows” and “A Simple Favor,” Blake Lively stars as Stephanie Patrick alongside Jude Law, Max Casella, and Sterling K. Brown. The film is adapted by Mark Burnell from his novel of the same name; the first of four in the “Stephanie Patrick” series, so, a franchise may be on the way should the film perform at the box office.
“The Rhythm Section” comes out in theatres on January 31, 2020.