Apple Original Films Announces High-Altitude Thriller ‘The Flick’
Apple Original Films is set to captivate audiences with its latest project, The Flick, a gripping thriller that delves into the high-stakes world of air traffic control and in-flight emergencies. This upcoming film promises to deliver a pulse-pounding narrative centered around survival, human connection, and the thin line between order and chaos at 30,000 feet.
Plot Overview
The Flick introduces Sonny Braden, an air traffic controller teetering on the brink of burnout. His routine takes a harrowing turn when he intercepts a distress call from a commercial flight. The pilot has fallen unconscious, leaving a pregnant passenger to take control of the aircraft. As a formidable storm approaches and fuel dwindles, Braden must navigate his own exhaustion and personal demons to guide the inexperienced passenger through an unprecedented landing attempt. The story is described as a white-knuckle thriller about control, connection, and survival in the thin air between order and chaos, where every second counts.
Creative Origins
The film is adapted from an unpublished short story by writer Matt Hickey, who will also serve as a producer. Hickey’s narrative expertise is evident from his previous work on Apple’s original podcast series, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story, which delved into the origins of one of history’s most infamous financial schemes. His transition from audio storytelling to film underscores Apple’s commitment to fostering talent across multiple media platforms.
Production Collaboration
The Flick marks a significant collaboration between Apple Original Films and Chernin Entertainment, led by Peter Chernin and David Ready. This partnership is among the first under Chernin’s new first-look feature deal with Apple TV. Chernin Entertainment has a history of successful projects with Apple, including the historical drama Chief of War and the series See, both starring Jason Momoa. Their continued collaboration signifies a strong synergy in delivering compelling narratives to audiences.
Apple’s Expanding Film Portfolio
Apple’s foray into high-intensity thrillers is not new. The tech giant has been steadily expanding its film and television portfolio to include a variety of genres that appeal to a broad audience. For instance, Apple TV+ previously announced Hijack, a seven-part thriller series starring Idris Elba, which follows the journey of a hijacked plane over a seven-hour flight in real-time. Elba not only stars as the lead character but also serves as an executive producer, highlighting Apple’s strategy of involving talent in multiple facets of production.
Additionally, Apple has ventured into psychological thrillers with series like Surface, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw. This eight-part series explores themes of memory loss and self-discovery, further showcasing Apple’s commitment to delivering diverse and thought-provoking content.
Strategic Partnerships and Distribution
Apple’s collaboration with Chernin Entertainment is part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a formidable player in the film industry. By securing first-look deals with established production companies, Apple aims to streamline the development of high-quality content for its streaming platform, Apple TV+. This approach not only enhances the platform’s content library but also attracts top-tier talent and creative minds.
Moreover, Apple has been exploring avenues to gain more control over the distribution of its films. Reports suggest that Apple executives are considering establishing their own theatrical distribution division. This move would allow Apple to oversee the entire lifecycle of its films, from production to release, ensuring a cohesive strategy that aligns with the company’s vision and standards.
Conclusion
The Flick is poised to be a standout addition to Apple Original Films’ growing repertoire of thrilling narratives. With a compelling storyline, a talented production team, and strategic industry partnerships, the film is set to offer audiences a riveting experience that underscores the complexities of human resilience and the critical nature of split-second decisions. As Apple continues to expand its presence in the entertainment industry, projects like The Flick exemplify the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality, engaging content to viewers worldwide.
