For those missing the billionaire voyeurism of “Succession,” Sundance film “Veni Vidi Vici” is poised to be a more sinister remedy.
Directed by Julia Niemann and Daniel Hoesl (and written by Hoesl), the film centers on the Maynard family, who live an “almost perfect” billionaire lifestyle, per the official synopsis. Patriarch Amon is a passionate hunter, but doesn’t shoot animals, as the family’s wealth allows them to live totally free from consequences, as the logline for the social satire dark comedy teases.
“Destructive strength is creative strength,” a character says in the trailer. “But don’t predatory cats belong in the wild?”
The hunt for whomever the dangerous hunter with no regard for human life is takes over a community, as all fingers seem to point to the elite family at the center of the drama. Yet the whodunit takes on another social issue: When the presumed wealthy “madman” killer is revealed, will there be actual consequences for them?
Laurence Rupp, Ursina Lardi, Dominik Warta, Johanna Orsini, Markus Schleinzer, and Olivia Goschler star.
Hoesl said in a press statement that the heightened sociopolitical satire of the film is actually inspired by a very real sentiment.
“The situation is serious,” the “WinWin” filmmaker said. “To create a parable, you have to exaggerate, paradoxically enough. I remember Donald Trump saying he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue, and it wouldn’t stop people voting for him.”
The Austrian feature is produced by Ulrich Seidl, and will make its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition program. The film is still seeking distribution, along with 80 percent of the Sundance slate.
The Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 18 to 28, with “Veni Vidi Vici” debuting opening night. The feature will be available online during the January 25 through 28 window, along with the rest of the Competition titles ranging from the U.S. Dramatic to the World Cinema Documentary. Other World Cinema Dramatic films competing with “Veni Vidi Vici” for jury prizes include Shuchi Talati’s coming-of-age drama “Girls Will Be Girls,” Mikko Mäkelä’s novelist-turned-sex worker film “Sebastian,” Norwegian horror movie “Handling the Undead” based on John Ajvide Lindqvist’s novel, and Arab drag queen romance “Layla.” Films within the category range from having Swiss, Peruvian, Spanish, Mexican, Belgian, French, and more international roots.
“Veni Vidi Vici” premieres at 2024 Sundance opening night on January 18. The film will then make its European premiere January 27 at the Rotterdam Film Festival with Magnify handling worldwide sales. Check out the trailer below.
