Netflix is expanding its roster of original movie titles. The streaming video-on-demand platform has picked up two different indie films, Girlfriend’s Day and Mercy, for both digital and theatrical releases.
The first indie feature Netflix acquired is the comedy Girlfriend’s Day, starring Bob Odenkirk (of Better Call Saul fame) as a struggling greeting card writer who must clear his name after he’s framed for murder. Odenkirk, who just released a sketch series W/ Bob & David on Netflix with David Cross, co-wrote and is producing the indie flick. Girlfriend’s Day is directed by Michael Stephenson (of Best Worst Movie) and co-stars Amber Tamblyn. Netflix is planning a limited theatrical release for Girlfriend’s Day alongside its streaming debut.
Additionally, Netflix has picked up the home invasion thriller Mercy from writer-director Chris Sparling (Buried, The Sea of Trees). Starring James Wolk and Caitlin FitzGerald, Mercy tells the story of four estranged brothers who return home to be with their dying mother and must deal with old family secrets which surface. The indie film is produced by Kyle Franke and Nick Spicer of XYZ Productions alongside Robyn Bennett and Uncorked Productions’ Andrew D. Corkin. Netflix will release Mercy in select theaters before premiering it on the streaming platform.
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“We’re excited to expand our independent film slate and work hand-in-hand with some of today’s great creators,” says Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. “Given our global scale, Netflix is uniquely positioned to allow these high-quality, niche titles to be viewed and enjoyed by the biggest possible audience around the world.”
Girlfriend’s Day and Mercy are just the latest titles to join Netflix’s original movies library. The streaming giant already has a four-picture deal with actor Adam Sandler (the first of which, The Ridiculous 6, will drop on December 11, 2015). Netflix also has a four-picture pact with brothers Mark and Jay Duplass, as well as an upcoming feature starring Brad Pitt. Netflix’s first original feature, Beasts of No Nation, only pulled in about $50,000 from its theatrical release, but has so far been seen by more than three million people worldwide thanks to its streaming availability.
No release date has been announced for either Girlfriend’s Day or Mercy as of yet.
