Sheridan O’Donnell’s debut feature, Little Brother, has been picked up by Gravitas Ventures for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, with a planned theatrical release in September 2024. The film boasts a cast including Daniel Diemer, Phillip Ettinger, Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons, and Polly Draper.
The story reveals after Pete (Ettinger) attempts to take his own life, prompting his domineering father, Warren (Simmons), to enlist his estranged brother Jake (Diemer) for a crucial intervention. The brothers, whose relationship is more explosive than harmonious, are forced to confront their issues while traveling 1,400 miles in a dilapidated van from Albuquerque to Seattle.
Their journey across the American West is a test of their past grievances and an effort to rebuild their relationship. The film, which won the Audience Award at the 2023 Atlanta Film Festival, is a personal project for O’Donnell, who drew inspiration from a friend’s suicide.
He expressed his hope that the film’s portrayal of warmth, humor, and mental health will resonate deeply with viewers. “We’re excited to work with Gravitas Ventures to share ‘Little Brother’ with audiences,” O’Donnell stated.
Gravitas Ventures’ SVP of Acquisition and Operations, Bill Guentzler, praised the film, noting O’Donnell’s skillful direction and the emotional depth brought out in Diemer and Ettinger’s performances. The production is handled by Inspirado, Made By Limbo, and Circa 1888, with Guentzler negotiating the acquisition deal with Bill Straus of Bridge Independent.