Joint Venture has secured the U.S. distribution rights for British director Oscar Hudson’s feature film debut, Straight Circle, which garnered significant attention at the Venice Film Festival in September 2023. The film, an absurdist anti-war satire, features actors Elliott and Luke Tittensor, known for their roles in the acclaimed series House of the Dragon, portraying soldiers from opposing armies who grapple with their identities in a remote desert outpost.
The film received high praise, winning both the grand prize and the award for most innovative feature at the Venice Critics’ Week. Critics have highlighted the film’s unique premise, with Variety reviewer Siddhant Adlakha describing it as a work that “transcends the shortcomings of its broad political scope” as it delves further into abstraction. Adlakha characterized Straight Circle as a fitting introduction to what promises to be an intriguing career for Hudson.
Joint Venture, a newly established independent film studio, plans to release Straight Circle in U.S. theaters later this year. Prior to his feature film debut, Hudson was known for directing music videos for prominent artists including Radiohead, Bonobo, and James Blake. His short films have earned him several accolades, including a Primetime Emmy and a Cannes Lions Grand Prix.
Film’s Themes and Director’s Vision
In his own words, Hudson describes Straight Circle as “a very silly story about very serious stuff.” He states that the film poses questions about national identities and the lines drawn in society. “It’s partly set everywhere… but it’s especially set nowhere,” he explained. The narrative includes serious military figures in oversized hats, unexpected lessons on boiling eggs, and an emphasis on the importance of personal identity.
Joint Venture co-founders Vinay Singh and Jess Jacobs praised Hudson’s ability to create a film that strikes a balance between universality and specificity. They noted that the film juxtaposes compelling visuals with comic absurdity while maintaining a core message of humanity. They likened Hudson’s work to that of celebrated directors such as Jonathan Glazer, Claire Denis, and Spike Jonze.
The production of Straight Circle involved various partners, including Magna, 2AM, Such Content, and BBC Film. The acquisition deal was negotiated by Julia Nelson, Christine D’Souza, and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers, with Chris Lane and Becca Leckie representing Joint Venture.
As anticipation builds for its release, Straight Circle promises to provide audiences with a unique blend of humor and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of identity and conflict.
