Full Breakdown
Vertical Acquires U.S. Rights to *Pendulum*
5/8/2026, 8:34:46 PM
Acquisition and Release
Vertical secured U.S. distribution rights to *Pendulum*, a horror film directed by Mark Heyman, with a wide theatrical release set for January 1, 2027. The deal was negotiated by Vertical partner Peter Jarowey and Tony Piantedosi, with UTA Independent Film Group, CAA Media Finance and WME Independent representing the filmmakers. Black Bear handles international sales.
Production Background
Mark Heyman, BAFTA-nominated screenwriter of *Black Swan*, makes his directorial debut with *Pendulum*. The film is produced by Darren Aronofsky (Protozoa), Jacob Jaffke (Motel Mojave) and Dave Caplan (C2), which fully financed the project. Crew includes DP Sharone Meir, editor Catrin Hedström, production designer Katie Hickman, costume designer Angelina Vitto, casting directors Bret Howe and Mary Vernieu, and composer Ben Lovett.
Cast and Characters
Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Patrick and Phoebe Dynevor plays Abigail, the married couple at the story’s center. Jacki Weaver portrays the retreat’s enigmatic leader; Norman Reedus appears in an undisclosed role.
Premise and Narrative Focus
The script follows the couple’s journey to a New Mexico new-age retreat seeking healing after trauma; Patrick grows distrustful of the leader while Abigail is drawn in, and paranoia forces them to confront whether the practices conceal a deadly truth.
Industry Significance
*Pendulum* represents a high-profile horror entry for 2027, marking Heyman’s shift to directing and featuring veteran producers, suggesting strong genre interest and potential broad audience appeal.
Official Statements & Responses
Heyman called the film a “deeply personal” work inspired by real, frightening experiences. Jarowey highlighted the lead performances, called the film an “impressive, terrifying debut,” and expressed pride in collaborating with producers Aronofsky, Jaffke and Caplan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pendulum is a deeply personal film, inspired by real, and really scary, experiences. It’s truly a dream come true to see it released in theaters with a partner like Vertical,” — Mark Heyman, writer-director
- “Featuring incredible lead performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Phoebe Dynevor, Pendulum is an impressive, terrifying debut from acclaimed screenwriter Mark Heyman,” — Peter Jarowey, Vertical partner
- “We are proud to be partnering with producers Darren, Jacob, and Dave, and are looking forward to ringing in 2027 by scaring the hell out of audiences.” — Peter Jarowey, Vertical partner
- “married couple Patrick (Gordon-Levitt) and Abigail (Dynevor) journey to a new-age retreat in New Mexico, drawn by the possibility of healing after a traumatic event. Patrick is willing to do anything to help his wife, but becomes distrustful of the retreat’s enigmatic leader (Weaver) even as Abigail falls under her spell. As paranoia builds, the couple must determine if the group’s spiritual practices offer genuine healing – or mask a terrifying truth that threatens to consume them both.” — Mark Heyman, script excerpt
