After making its debut at last year’s Venice Film Festival, everyone assumed that Ciro Guerra’s “Waiting for the Barbarians” would eventually get a sizeable theatrical debut, especially considering the film stars Mark Rylance, Johnny Depp, and Robert Pattinson. But, as we now know, COVID-19 had other plans, and ‘Barbarians’ is now destined for a VOD launch.
According to Deadline, Samuel Goldwyn Films has purchased the North American distribution rights for “Waiting for the Barbarians.” Now, Guerra’s film, which was originally set for a theatrical release, will now debut on VOD sometime in August.
The film is based on the novel by author J.M. Coetzee, who also adapted the book for the film, and tells the story of a Magistrate that is on the verge of retirement when the Colonel Joll begins a series of ruthless interrogations about information regarding the situation involving “barbarians” at the border. This leads the Magistrate to question his Colonel’s loyalty.
“It has been a great honor to work with this wonderful cast and passionate crew in bringing J.M. Coet- zee’s masterpiece to the screen,” said Guerra. “It is a timeless story that speaks volumes to our world today, and we’re very happy and excited to be finally bringing it to audiences in the US through this partnership with Samuel Goldwyn Films.”
Peter Goldwyn added, “‘Waiting for the Barbarians’ is filled with powerful and moving performances from Mark, Johnny, Robert, and Gana. The cinematography is beautiful and director Ciro Guerra creates a world that forces us to look deeper into ourselves and ask, ‘What would I do?’ Samuel Goldwyn Films is proud to bring this film to audiences.”
We saw the film at last year’s Venice, and in our review, we said, “The amount of time spent shooting at golden hour alone must’ve made for some stressful days on set. But Guerra clearly had no problem directing, the engrossing synchronicity of every aspect of the film a testament to his visionary mind.”
Though an exact release date isn’t known at this time, “Waiting for the Barbarians” is expected to hit Digital platforms in August.
