With news of a loss of subscribers and falling stock, Netflix haven’t had a good couple of weeks. But they’re still announcing buckets of new content from well-known creators. Their latest big announcement is that they have secured the rights to Bardo, the anticipated comedy project from five-time Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, The Revenant).
Interestingly, Netflix are allowing Bardo to have a traditional theatrical release before it arrives on the platform, so fans will be able to see the film on the big screen if they wish.
Bardo is being described as a nostalgic comedy set against an epic personal journey. It chronicles the story of a renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker who returns home to works through an existential crisis and seek answers to his past by reconciling with who he is in the present, grappling with his identity, familial relationships, and his memories.
Iñárritu is not known for making comedies, although Birdman had some dark humour to it. And while Bardo one doesn’t sound like the latest Seth Rogen-led laughfest, it will be interesting to see him work in the genre after many years of making dark, psychological dramas.
Iñárritu has written the script with Nicolás Giacobone, who had previously collaborated with the director on Biutiful and Birdman. Daniel Giménez Cacho and Griselda Siciliani are starring in the film. Netflix Head of Global Film Scott Stuber said in a statement:
“Alejandro is one of the greatest modern filmmakers and one of the leading visionaries in our industry. Bardo is a cinematic experience that has inspired us to create a release strategy designed for the film to penetrate culture in the biggest and widest way.
We will give film lovers everywhere the opportunity to experience the film through a global theatrical release and the film’s worldwide release on Netflix. Having known Alejandro for a long time, I am personally very excited to finally be able to work alongside him and to bring his film to a global audience.”
Bardo is currently in post-production after wrapping filming in Mexico late last year. The project has mostly been shrouded in secrecy, so while it currently does not have a release date, anticipation among film fans should be high.
#Peace.Love.Bardo
