EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the horror film Pendulum, the directorial debut of Mark Heyman, the BAFTA-nominated writer of Black Swan.

Produced by Darren Aronofsky (The Whale) for Protozoa, Motel Mojave’s Jacob Jaffke (X trilogy), and C2’s Dave Caplan (Longlegs), the film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper), Phoebe Dynevor (Fair Play), Norman Reedus (Ballerina), and two-time Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook).

Vertical is setting Pendulum for a wide release on January 1, 2027. Below is a first-look at the movie.

In Heyman’s script, “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.”

The deal was negotiated by Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi on behalf of Vertical and by UTA Independent Film Group, CAA Media Finance, and WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers. Black Bear is representing international sales.

“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,” shared writer-director Heyman.

“Featuring incredible lead performances by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Phoebe Dynevor, Pendulum is an impressive, terrifying debut from acclaimed screenwriter Mark Heyman,” added Vertical partner Peter Jarowey. “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.”

The film was produced by Aronofsky for Protozoa, Jaffke (p.g.a.) & Élan Klein Jaffke (p.g.a.) for Motel Mojave, Will Greenfield (p.g.a.), Heyman, and Caplan for C2, who fully financed the film, and executive produced by Luke Daniels, Kurt Fethke, David Gendron, Lucas Hoffmann, Ali Jazayeri, Stefan Klink, Daniel McGilvray, Vaagn Sarkissian, Viviana Zarragoitia, Andy Price, Sara Price, Michael Sklut, and Liz Destro.

Additional below-the-line talent includes director of photography Sharone Meir (Monkey Man, Whiplash), editor Catrin Hedström (Candyman), production designer Katie Hickman (Love Lies Bleeding), and Emmy Award nominated costume designer Angelina Vitto (Atropia), with casting by Emmy Award nominees Bret Howe (The Menu) and Mary Vernieu (Song Sung Blue) and music by Ben Lovett (The Night House).

Pendulum