Joey King and Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield will star in "Safe Space," a provocative science-fiction comedy about toxic relationships. The film is conceived as a satirical exploration of what sex and love are, and is heading to market with a notable cast.
At the center of the story is Sherri, a smart but insecure scientist. She leaves a toxic relationship with a colleague only to enter an even more toxic one, this time with a handsome alien. Stanfield plays the alien, while King plays Sherri. According to the project's description, the film is built on the contrast between the heroine's attempt to find a safe space for her feelings and the way new relationships repeat the old pattern.
The film is directed by Jillian Wallace Horvat, who was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for "I Blame Society." Sales for the film at the American Film Market (AFM) are being handled by the French company Lucky Number, while CAA Media Finance and WME Independent are representing the project at the market. For international buyers, this is the film's first public showing at the market where its further distribution will be determined.
King is known for the action film "Bullet Train" and for the series "The Act," where she played the lead. Stanfield received an Oscar nomination for his work in the drama "Judas and the Black Messiah." The participation of both actors in an independent project with a satirical plot sets the film apart from their work in larger productions and shows that independent cinema remains a sought-after platform for them.
In parallel, Variety and Deadline reported another development in Stanfield's career: he has left the horror film "Molepeople," which is being co-financed by Paramount and Blumhouse. The project was announced earlier this month as part of Blumhouse's presentation. The reasons for Stanfield's departure have not been disclosed. Director Rob Savage, who originally led the film, also left, citing a scheduling conflict. He was replaced by Englishman Ben Wheatley, who directed "Normal." The replacement of two key figures at once means that production will proceed under a new creative plan, although the shooting schedule is not specified in the sources.