Oscilloscope Laboratories Acquires Sophia Takal's Psychosexual Thriller 'Act One'
Entertainment

Oscilloscope Laboratories Acquires Sophia Takal's Psychosexual Thriller 'Act One'

authorBy Stephen King
DateOct 13, 2026
Read Time2 min

Oscilloscope Laboratories has officially acquired the U.S. rights to Sophia Takal's psychosexual thriller, 'Act One'. This marks a significant step for the film, which delves into the intense world of an aspiring actress and the blurred lines between art, desire, and manipulation. With a theatrical release planned for 2027, audiences can anticipate a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Oscilloscope Laboratories Secures U.S. Distribution for Sophia Takal's 'Act One' After Tribeca Premiere

On October 13, 2026, Oscilloscope Laboratories announced its acquisition of the U.S. distribution rights for 'Act One', a psychosexual thriller directed by Sophia Takal, known for her works 'Always Shine' and 'Black Christmas'. The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2027. Starring Ella Beatty, in a pivotal role as Hannah, a sheltered 17-year-old aspiring actress, the narrative unfolds as she enrolls in an exclusive acting studio. Here, she encounters the compelling founder, Melanie, portrayed by Ari Graynor. As Hannah's dedication intensifies into a dangerous obsession, the boundaries of performance, desire, and manipulation become indistinguishable, drawing her into a perilous game that challenges her artistic limits. The ensemble cast also features Sinclair Daniel of 'Insidious: The Red Door', Tavi Gevinson from 'Gossip Girl', Elizabeth Reaser of 'Twilight' fame, and Robert Sean Leonard from 'House'. 'Act One' made its initial debut at the Tribeca Festival on June 10, 2026. The film was brought to life by a team of producers including Takal herself, Allison Rose Carter (Savage Rose Films), Julie Christeas (Tandem Pictures), Jon Read (Savage Rose Films), Stephanie Roush (Foxglove Films), and Julie Waters (Watermark Media). The executive producer team comprises Evan Dyal of Watermark Media, Ryan Kampe of Visit Films, Lawrence Michael Levine, and Allison and Jon Stockel, alongside Marilyn White.

The acquisition of 'Act One' by Oscilloscope Laboratories highlights a continued commitment to independent and artistically driven cinema. Sophia Takal's return to working with Oscilloscope, a distributor she previously collaborated with for 'Always Shine', signifies a strong creative partnership. This collaboration underscores the importance of distributors who are willing to champion films that explore complex psychological themes and push narrative boundaries, ultimately enriching the cinematic landscape for both creators and discerning audiences.

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