Charlie Polinger impressed many, including myself, with his Cannes-debut feature “The Plague,” a visually audacious and thematically unflinching descent into the psychological torture of being a bullied teenager.
Polinger has now lined up his next film, teaming up with A24 for “The Masque of the Red Death,” a modern, twisted take on the Edgar Allan Poe tale—and he’s brought along a newly minted Oscar starlet.
After the breakout that was “Anora,” Mikey Madison is finally making moves. The Oscar winner is in negotiations to lead Polinger’s film, which is expected to shoot later this year (via THR).
Madison, who’s quickly developed a reputation for being ultra-selective post-“Anora,” has largely kept a low profile despite a surge of offers. Outside of a brief flirtation with Shawn Levy’s “Starfighter,” a Star Wars spin-off, and an attachment to the buzzy indie package “Reptilia,” Polinger’s film will officially be her post-Oscar vehicle. The role was initially offered to Sydney Sweeney, who exited due to scheduling conflicts.
‘Red Death’ would have Madison playing dual roles—twin sisters separated by class in a decaying aristocracy. The story, set against the backdrop of a plague and a hedonistic prince’s castle, is said to include everything from revenge-fueled drama to opium-soaked orgies.
Madison’s turn in “Anora”—which premiered at Cannes 2024 and went on to sweep awards season, including Best Picture and Best Actress—has positioned her as one of the most intriguing young talents in the business.
She now appears to have lined up her first project following her Oscar win, and she’s clearly following her gut on this one. It’s not going to be a huge payday like a “Star Wars” movie—but that might be the point. Good for her.
In the meantime, seek out Polinger’s “The Plague” when it hopefully gets released later this year.
Nobody expected a 55-year-old NC-17 movie to be one of the surprise box office stories of the fall. Yet here we are, and this absolutely puts a smile on my face.