It has been a long journey to the big screen for David Oyelowo‘s psychological thriller Newborn. Originally announced in 2020 under the title Solitary, the film remained silent for years without any indication of when, or if, it would ever be released. However, last month, it was announced that AMC Theatres would assist with the exclusive release, and the film is set to premiere on April 10 as part of a collaboration with Oyelowo and director Nate Parker‘s joint production and distribution label, Mansa Studios. We are excited to highlight the film with a new image as part of Collider’s Exclusive Preview series for upcoming film and television titles.
Our exclusive still focuses on Oyelowo’s titular character, Chris Newborn, who, after spending seven years in solitary confinement, is finally released back into society. However, the world he returns to is not the same as he left; instead, it is a self-isolating society that complicates his attempts to reconnect with his family. With his newfound freedom come unexpected mental challenges that further hinder any efforts to rebuild his life. His new reality is described as a “terrifying psychological battleground” in an emotional narrative filled with thrills. He appears worn down in our image, with one eye barely open and what seems like dirt, sweat, and possibly blood staining his sweatshirt as he walks down a hallway.
For Parker, Newborn represents just his second feature film since his significant 2016 breakout, The Birth of a Nation, and his first since the Spike Lee-backed American Skin in 2019. He is no stranger to addressing contemporary social issues and underrepresented narratives, with the latter film following an Iraq War veteran who takes justice into his own hands after the police officer who killed his son is acquitted of all charges. His latest project aims to tackle similar themes by focusing on the prison system and what convicts endure after years of isolation. Oyelowo, recognized for his prominent role in <em>Selma</em> and small-screen performance in Lawmen: Bass Reeves, stars alongside Olivia Washington, Barry Pepper, and Jimmie Fails.
Oyelowo Is Jumping Behind the Camera After ‘Newborn’
Although he is primarily known for his on-screen performances, Oyelowo will venture behind the camera later this year when production begins on his adaptation of William Shakespeare‘s Othello. Announced last November, the film already features a star-studded trio, with Oyelowo also acting alongside <em>Wicked</em> standout Cynthia Erivo and Superman‘s Lois Lane, Rachel Brosnahan. This will mark only the star’s second feature directorial effort, following 2020’s The Water Man, and it will be the first film produced by James Bond giant Barbara Broccoli since selling 007 to Amazon last year.
Newborn premieres exclusively at AMC Theatres on April 10. Check out our exclusive image above and stay tuned here at Collider for more from our spring preview event throughout the rest of the week.
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