Warwick Thornton’s THE NEW BOY has been acquired by Vertical for release in the US and Canada on 23 May. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2023.

Variety initially reported that Jim Jarmusch’ FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER has been selected at Cannes Film Festival, however after the 10 April announcement the film was not included.

Vertical has acquired North American rights to The New Boy, starring Cate Blanchett (Black Bag) and newcomer Aswan Reid, slating the film for release in theaters on May 23.

Written and directed by Warwick Thornton, the Australian filmmaker behind titles like Sweet Country and Samson & Delilah, The New Boy takes place in 1940s Australia at a remote monastery with a mission for Aboriginal children run by a renegade nun, Sister Eileen (Blanchett). In the film, a new charge (Reid) is delivered in the dead of night — a boy who appears to have special powers. However, the boy’s Indigenous spiritual life does not mesh with the mission’s Christianity and his mysterious power becomes a threat. Sister Eileen is thus faced with a choice between the traditions of her faith and the truth embodied in the boy.

In a statement to Deadline, filmmaker Thornton said, “With everything going on right now in the world, it’s perfect timing for a little bit of magic from this beautiful young boy to be unleashed. Thank you to Vertical and our whole team for continuing to believe in and back independent cinema.”

Commented Vertical SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi, who along with Manager of Acquisitions & Sales Rachel White, repped the company in the deal: “Warwick has crafted a mysterious and compelling examination of faith, a critique of institutions that transcends borders, that is anchored by the performances of the consistently excellent Cate Blanchett and the remarkable discovery that is Aswan Reid. We look forward to presenting the film to North American audiences this May.”

Sources: Deadline