Mimi Cave, the director behind the cannibal thriller "Fresh" and the dark comedy "Holland", is gearing up for her next project, "Pumping Black", a psychological thriller set in the world of professional cycling. The film stars Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey, with a script by Haley Hope Bartels. The story follows Taylor Mace, a cyclist who is aging out of the sport, and his relationship with Andrea Lathe, a doctor driven by her own thirst for victory and power. As the race to the Tour de France progresses, Taylor must take increasingly dark measures to protect his secret.
What makes "Pumping Black" particularly intriguing is the exploration of the competitive and cutthroat world of professional cycling. The comparison to "Whiplash" and "Black Swan" suggests a deep dive into the psychological aspects of the sport, where the pressure to perform and the desire for success can lead to dangerous and dark choices. The film promises an adrenaline-fueled, dangerous thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The project is being produced by Stacey Sher of Shiny Penny, along with Anton's Sébastien Raybaud and Natalie Portman and Sophie Mas from Mountain. Anton is fully financing the film, with production set to commence in the fall. The collaboration between these talented individuals and the unique setting of professional cycling make "Pumping Black" a project to watch out for.
The script by Haley Hope Bartels has already caught the attention of producers, who described it as "visceral, psychological, and completely original". The involvement of Natalie Portman and Jonathan Bailey further adds to the allure of the project, as they bring their own unique talents and charisma to the roles of Taylor Mace and Andrea Lathe. The combination of a strong script, a compelling story, and a talented cast makes "Pumping Black" a film that is sure to generate buzz and excitement among audiences and critics alike.
As a fan of Mimi Cave's previous work, particularly "Fresh", I am eager to see what she brings to "Pumping Black". The exploration of the darker side of human nature within the context of professional cycling is a fascinating prospect, and I am curious to see how Cave will handle the psychological and adrenaline-fueled aspects of the story. The film's potential to delve into the complexities of the human psyche and the pressures of the sporting world makes it a project that I am excited to follow.
