BFI Distribution acquires Emily Watson & Paul Mescal pic God’s Creatures for UK release and partners with Volta Pictures for Ireland

BFI Distribution has picked up the well-received Irish drama God’s creatures for theatrical release in Great Britain. The deal also includes a partnership with independent Irish distributor Volta Pictures, which has acquired the film for Ireland.

Volta Pictures will release the film in Ireland on 23 March 2023 and BFI Distribution will release it in UK cinemas a week later on 31 March.

The film has been acquired by A24, marking the first time BFI has acquired a film from the prolific US studio. A24 released the film in the United States in September.

Directed by New York filmmakers Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer (It fits) in her film debut as a duo, God’s creatures made its sidebar debut at Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes last year. The film stars Emily Watson (The waves break), Paul Mescal (Normal People, After Sun) and Aisling Franciosi (The autumn). Called a “quietly devastating drama,” the film is set on the Irish coast in and around a windswept fishing village, where a mother is torn between protecting her beloved son and her own sense of right and wrong. A lie she tells him tears her family and tight-knit community apart in this tense, overwhelmingly emotional epic, according to the official synopsis.

The film received five BIFA 2022 nominations: Emily Watson for lead performance; Paul Mescal and Aisling Franciosi for Best Supporting Actor; Shane Crowley for Best Debut Screenwriter and Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans for Best Original Score.

Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly (Lady Macbeth, Ammonite) of indie production company Nine Daughters produced the visual, which comes from a screenplay by Shane Crowley based on a story he co-wrote with Cronin O’Reilly.

God’s creatures was developed with support from Screen Ireland, BBC Film and A24. Photo co-funded by A24, BBC Film, Screen Ireland and the Western Region Audiovisual Producers Fund/WRAP.

Julie Pearce, head of distribution at BFI, said: “We are delighted to have acquired our first feature film from A24. God’s creatures is such a powerful and compelling film with a strong and important story line and beautiful performances by Emily Watson and Paul Mescal. It makes sense for us to work with Volta Pictures whose expertise will give the film the best possible start in Ireland as we bring it to UK cinemas. We look forward to cooperation.”

Karen O’Malley, Head of Distribution at Volta Pictures added: “We are delighted to be working with the BFI and with Fodhla to bring the masterful God’s creatures for Irish cinema audiences in March.”