Apple has secured the worldwide rights to Irish writer-director John Carney's new musical drama Flora and Son in a reported $20 million deal.
The film, which stars Eve Hewson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jack Reynor and newcomer Orén Kinlan - the son of Love/Hate actor Laurence Kinlan - received a standing ovation at its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah at the weekend.
Entertainment trade publication the Hollywood Reporter says the "feel-good charmer, steeped in Irish humor and flavor" tells the story of a single mother (Hewson) who reconnects with her troubled son (Kinlan) through music.
Tonight we cried many a tear seeing our son on screen at Sundance in his first leading role in a film 'Flora and Son'
— Laurence Kinlan (@laurencekinlan) January 23, 2023
It was everything and more. He was incredible! 😢 @EveHewson gives the best performance she has ever given and you’ll see her forever more, what a talent. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/90mtUN8wSL
In the Dublin-set film, Reynor plays the boy's father, with Gordon-Levitt playing the woman's online music teacher.
Once director Carney's last film, 2016's Sing Street, also premiered at Sundance.
What a moment ❤️ https://t.co/Stxeth7G6e
— Eve Hewson (@EveHewson) January 23, 2023
Dublin companies Treasure Entertainment and Distressed Films are among the producers on Flora and Son, which is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
A release date for Flora and Son has yet to be announced.
