In Vitro is the highly anticipated follow-up from Tom McKeith and Will Howarth after their debut feature Beast was nominated for Best First Feature at TIFF 2015. McKeith and Howarth co-wrote the script with Zucker. In Vitro was selected for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, has received major production financing from Screen Australia, with support from Screen NSW, Mind the Gap Film Finance, Fictious, Odin’s Eye and Arcadia.
Synopsis: On a remote cattle property in the near future, Layla (Zucker) and her husband Jack (Zukerman) have been experimenting with biotechnology and developing illegal breeding methods. It’s a mostly isolated existence for the couple, but when a series of unsettling occurrences take place, Layla is faced with the disturbing reality of just how far Jack will go for love.
Shot earlier in the year in regional NSW, the picture is currently in Post-Production with Delivery and festival berths anticipated for Q1 2023.
In Vitro is produced by Arcadia, the Australian production and distribution studio behind Oscar-nominated Kodi Smit-McPhee’s sci-fi starrer 2067 and horror comedy Sissy, acquired by Shudder following its premiere in SXSW’s Midnighters section; and Fictious, Howarth’s production and talent management outfit with partner Matilda Comers. Arcadia on board for domestic distribution with Odin’s Eye handling ROW. Arcadia and Odin’s Eye last collaborated on Tony D’Aquino’s 2019 acclaimed slasher The Furies.
Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy said: “Arcadia are thrilled to be reteaming with Odin’s Eye on this impressive movie. The creative team behind the film, driven by Talia as the writer and protagonist, are in the midst of creating a really special story. Howarth and McKeith have done nothing but justice to the work of all involved and I’ve no doubt that Ashley’s ‘Jack’ will remain in people’s memories long after the movie is over.”
Michael Favelle, OEE’s founder and CEO said “I’m blown away by the quality of the production. Talia (Zucker) has a haunting presence as Layla; a woman whose perception of reality is increasingly manipulated by her gaslighting husband. Ashley (Zukerman) exudes traces of Jack Torrance in his incredible portrayal of a man who goes too far in the name of love.”
Arcadia’s Lisa Shaunessy (Sissy, 2067, Killing Ground) and Bec Janek (Sissy, 2067) produce alongside Will Howarth (Beast) for Fictious and Rachael Fung (Little Woods).
Comers, Zukerman, Alexandra Burke, Anna Dadic, Michael Agar, Michael Favelle and Clement Dunn serve as executive producers.
