Terrence Malick Goes VOD? Magnolia Pictures Picks Up ‘To The Wonder’ For 2013 Release

nullSo, will Terrence Malick fans not in major markets have to watch the director's latest on VOD? That will be the big question as Magnolia Pictures have picked up the U.S. rights to "To the Wonder."

It's certainly an interesting pick up for the indie/genre shingle who tend to specialize in limited theatrical releases followed by a heavy push on digital outlets. But the divisive reception to the movie in Venice and Toronto certainly suggested that no major studio or indie outlets would be touching the moving (unfortunately). Some have sneered at the movie for being Malick-lite (whatever that means), and while the film is not without its problems, beneath the surface of the picture (which seems to be all anyone can talk about, usually derisively) is a movie that explores the haunted pain of a relationship falling apart, and asks heartfelt questions about how we can love in a world poisoned by man and abandoned by God.

The movie boasts the usually stunning visuals that Malick's films have come to be known for, but will it get the big screen treatment it deserves?According to a press release the film will have a multi-platform strategy that starts with a theatrical release, in 2013. Deadline opines that  the film would struggle in a wider theatrical release plan." And unfortunately, that's probably true. It doesn't have a Brad Pitt to hang the picture on, and while it does have Ben Affleck, the mostly dialogue-free picture largely centers on Olga Kurylenko, while Rachel McAdams' appearance is quite brief.

No exact details on what Magnolia's plans for the movie will be, but for comparison sake, Lars Von Trier's "Melancholia," reached 145 screens at the heigh of its expansion. You might want to plan a roadtrip to see "To the Wonder."