André Holland is dreamy. Ever since seeing him blossom via Barry Jenkins’ patented full-on medium closeup shot in Moonlight, it’s been clear. Holland has a way of slicing into your soul with his eyes—and I’m here for every second of it.
So, color me excited when I realized his first project of 2019 involved a bit of a Moonlight reunion! Cue Netflix’s High Flying Bird.
From Netflix’s press release:
In the midst of a pro basketball lockout, sports agent Ray Burke (André Holland) finds himself caught in the face-off between the league and the players. His career is on the line, but Ray is playing for higher stakes. With only 72 hours to pull off a daring plan, he outmaneuvers all the power-players as he uncovers a loophole that could change the game forever. The outcome raises questions of who owns the game – and who ought to. Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) from a script by Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight), High Flying Bird features an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Zazie Beetz, Melvin Gregg, Sonja Sohn, Zachary Quinto, Kyle MacLachlan and Bill Duke, plus appearances from NBA athletes Reggie Jackson, Karl-Anthony Towns and Donovan Mitchell.
So, basically, we’re going to get that high-stakes Soderberg heist action coupled with McCraney’s visceral pen. Plus, I’m loving the acting lineup with Zazie Beetz (Atlanta), Sonja Sohn (The Wire) and the legendary Bill Duke, Sign me the fuck up.
“They’ve invented a game, on top of a game,” utters Duke’s character, Spencer. Yeah, get ready for a wild ass ride.
Another cool thing— the film is shot entirely on an iPhone, something the Oscar-winning director has experience in, according to A.V. Club. The film will have its world premiere at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival before heading to the popular streaming platform.
High Flying Bird premieres on Netflix Friday, February 8, 2019.