Deadline has reported that Vertical has picked up the North American distribution rights for Pendulum, a horror flick written and directed by Mark Heyman (Black Swan) and produced by Darren Aronofsky. Vertical has slated Pendulum for a January 1, 2027 release.
What We Know
The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper), Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton), Norman Reedus (Ballerina), and Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook)
The logline reads: “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.“
A first-look image was also released, which you can see at the top of this article. Imagine that.
In a statement, Heyman said, “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.“
Vertical partner Peter Jarowey added, “Featuring incredible lead performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Phoebe Dynevor, Pendulum is an impressive, terrifying debut from acclaimed screenwriter Mark Heyman. 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.“
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Gordon-Levitt has actually been a little under the radar over the last year, at least when it comes to appearing in films. He did make his customary voice cameo in Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, but that was his sole movie appearance in 2025. The prior year, he was featured in the crime comedy Greedy People, the neo-noir mystery Killer Heat, and the action comedy Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
He is stepping behind the camera for 2034, an AI thriller that recently kicked off production in Belgrade. The film stars Rachel McAdams (Send Help), Jeff Daniels (The Brink of War), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things), and Nnamdi Asomugha (The Good Nurse).
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