The writer of Black Swan says his directorial debut was inspired by a real, and really scary, experience. It’s about a couple who go looking for healing and find something that wants to consume them.
Pendulum comes from Mark Heyman, the BAFTA-nominated writer of Black Swan, in his first film as director. He calls it “a deeply personal film.”
The story drops Patrick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Abigail (Phoebe Dynevor) into a new-age retreat in the New Mexico desert, where they’ve gone hoping to heal after a trauma. Jacki Weaver plays the retreat’s enigmatic leader, the figure Abigail falls under and Patrick learns to fear. As paranoia builds, the couple has to decide whether the group’s spiritual practices are genuine healing or a mask for something far worse.
Darren Aronofsky produced the movie through Protozoa, with backing from the teams behind the X trilogy and Longlegs. Norman Reedus also stars in an undisclosed role.
The MPA rated it R for “some strong/bloody violent content, sexuality, drug use, nudity, and language.”
Vertical has it set for a wide release on January 1, 2027. The company’s Peter Jarowey called it “an impressive, terrifying debut” and said they’re looking forward to “ringing in 2027 by scaring the hell out of audiences.”
