A film that is steeped in mystery and seems to follow in the traditions of socially-driven horror, as has been seen by Jordan Peele's films Get Out and Us, Antebellum is slated for release this summer.
Despite the film being out not much further into 2020, details have been kept relatively quiet and marketing has been minimal before its release. The teaser trailer for the film dropped on November 21, 2019, though it doesn't give too much away. This is likely a positive feat, as horror audiences have complained in the past about trailers giving too many of the key details regarding movies away too soon. While Peele is not attached to this project, the producers have overlap, as they have worked on projects with him before.
Antebellum was once only one of many original horror movies slated for a 2020 release, alongside the Guillermo Del Toro produced Antlers, James Wan's new Giallo film Malignant, and Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho. Unfortunately, the Coronavirus pandemic has now left only Antebellum confirmed for 2020. Here's everything we know about Antebellum so far.
Antebellum Release Date
Antebellum will release on August 21, 2020, after having been delayed from its original April 24 date. The film is written and directed by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz. Antebellum marks their directorial debut; the pair have a history of socially-driven work, including a political music video for the hip-hop artist Jay-Z, as well as a PSA condemning police brutality. Antebellum is being produced by Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick (Get Out). The production company for the film is QC Entertainment; it is being distributed by Lionsgate. Filming for Antebellum began May 2019 and the film has since wrapped post-production.
Antebellum Story Details
Story details for Antebellum are being mostly kept under wraps. What has been released is a log line, "Successful author Veronica Henley finds herself trapped in a horrifying reality and must uncover the mind-bending mystery before it's too late." Janelle Monáe plays Veronica, the film's lead. The teaser trailer revealed two timelines; pre-Civil War slavery, as a Southern plantation is shown, and modern times, as Monáe's character is shown having dinner with friends, and a 911 voiceover is present throughout. A follow-up trailer released on March 5, 2020 seems to insinuate that Monae's character has been sent into the past to accomplish some sort of mission, possibly freeing the plantation's slaves. At this point though, the plot remains shrouded in mystery.
Antebellum Cast
The cast for Antebellum includes Janelle Monáe (Moonlight, Hidden Figures), Gabourey Sidibe (American Horror Story, Empire), Eric Lange (Victorious, Narcos), Jena Malone (The Hunger Games), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), Kiersey Clemons (Sweetheart), and Marque Richardson (Dear White People). Details on characters other than Veronica have yet to be released.