After making a strong debut with his riveting and powerful debut film “Shotgun Stories,” director Jeff Nichols is looking to break out in a huge way with his sophomore effort.
Sony Pictures Classics has picked up the North America, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand rights to “Take Shelter,” a psychological drama which finds the director reteaming with his “Shotgun Stories” star Michael Shannon. Co-starring Jessica Chastain (“The Tree Of Life“) the film follows an intriguing premise as it centers on Curtis LaForche (Shannon) who lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife, Samantha (Chastain), and daughter, Hannah, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. His seemingly inexplicable behavior concerns and confounds those closest to him, but the resulting strain on his marriage and tension within his community can’t compare with Curtis’s privately held fear of what his dreams may truly signify.
The film premieres at the Sundance Film Festival where it be part of U.S. Dramatic Competition program. It has its first screening on Monday, January 24th. No word yet on a release date, but if it comes away from Park City with strong reviews we expect it being slotted for the second half and awards season friendly portion of 2011. Check out Nichols’ “Meet The Artists” segment on the film below.
