Thescreescore – Jessica Chastain and Chris Pine are set to ignite the screen in Elijah Bynum’s upcoming dark crime thriller, My Darling California. The film, already generating significant buzz, boasts an ensemble cast that includes Josh Brolin, Charles Melton, Don Cheadle, and Academy Award winner Mikey Madison.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, My Darling California weaves a complex narrative around a single crime that intertwines the lives of disparate characters: a television host, his restless wife, a country music icon, two small-time criminals, and an ex-convict, all yearning for a better existence.
Elijah Bynum, who gained recognition for his debut feature Hot Summer Nights starring Timothée Chalamet, followed by the Sundance hit Magazine Dreams, and most recently The Deliverance, is directing and writing the film. His signature style of exploring complex characters and morally ambiguous situations is expected to be on full display.
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Currently being presented to international buyers at the American Film Market (AFM), My Darling California is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after projects. Its A-list cast and Bynum’s directorial talent are major draws for distributors.
David Hinojosa of 2 AM, known for Materialists, is producing, with Zach Nutman serving as executive producer. Anton (Greenland) is financing and handling sales for the AFM alongside CAA Media Finance. Production is slated to begin in 2026.
Chastain’s involvement aligns with her recent trend of choosing projects that blend prestige with psychological depth. From Zero Dark Thirty to her Oscar-winning performance in The Eyes of Tammy Faye, she has consistently portrayed complex characters that challenge conventional notions of female strength and vulnerability.
Pine, fresh off his directorial debut with Poolman and his role in Disney’s Wish, is also venturing into more dramatic territory with an upcoming Italian film, The Kidnapping of Arabella. This marks a shift from his blockbuster roles in franchises like Star Trek and Wonder Woman.
Bynum’s growing reputation as a filmmaker further enhances the film’s appeal. His previous work in Magazine Dreams delved into the darker aspects of ambition and identity through a psychological lens. My Darling California appears to continue this exploration of fame and moral contradictions, but on a grander scale with a multi-perspective narrative.
The combination of a stellar cast and genre appeal positions My Darling California as a hot commodity at the AFM. It is expected to attract both distributors focused on awards and global buyers seeking commercially viable yet sophisticated projects. The film’s premise is reminiscent of prestige thrillers that have resonated with audiences and critics, such as The Menu.
With production set to commence next year, My Darling California is already generating anticipation as one of Hollywood’s most promising upcoming dramas. Bynum’s rising profile and the talented cast suggest that the film could become a major contender during awards season.
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