“The State of Us,” the British coming-age-comedy starring Samuel Bottomley (“California Schemin’,” “How To Have Sex”) and Callum Scott Howells (“Madfabulous,” “It’s a Sin”), is set to land in U.K. cinemas following a deal with Vertigo Releasing.
The film, the directorial debut of Jake Harvey and Ollie Gardner, had its world premiere in the main competition at the Edinburgh International Film Festival earlier this year and will now release theatrically in the U.K. in 2027. News of Vertigo’s acquisition comes ahead of Monday’s screening of “The State of Us” at the Rome Film Festival.
The Yorkshire-shot feature is set over one unforgettable night and follows two lifelong best friends as they cling to one final chance to feel alive together. The story follows nineteen-year-old Frankie as he breaks his dying friend Taylor out of a hospice for their annual ritual: watching fireworks from their favourite hilltop, in memory of Frankie’s parents. But as their riotous night out spirals into chaos, their friendship is pushed to breaking point and Frankie finally confronts the truth he has been circling all night, revealing just how far he is willing to go to avoid being left behind. As Taylor’s time runs out, he leaves Frankie with one final wish: to find beauty in the wreckage and the will to keep living.
Alongside Bottomley and Scott Howells, the cast also includes Safia Oakley-Green (“Anemone,” “The Bluff”), Seamus O’Hara (“The Irish Goodbye,” “House of Guinness”), Sunetra Sarker (“Brookside,” “Ackley Bridge”) and Frances Barber (“Mr Holmes,” “Trick or Treat”).
Written by Harvey, the film is produced by Pippa Cross, Dylan Rees and Harvey, whose credits include “Chalet Girl,” “Made in Italy” and “7 Keys,” with original music composed by Tom Ogden, frontman of indie band Blossoms. Executive producers are James Scott and James Spring of Circus Studios together with Rachel Hunter, Alastair Mavor and Janette Day.
Circus Studios is handling worldwide sales.
“The State of Us” is presented by Noughty Pictures in association with Screen Yorkshire and produced by Restless Pictures and Crossday Productions in association with 4 8 Fourteen Films and Circus Studios. Post-production was handled by Playhouse Studios.