Netflix Picks Cannes Gentle Monster, La Bola Negra
Get the Culture newsletter
Daily culture — film, music, books, the trends and ideas worth your attention. Free.
- Netflix is negotiating to acquire the Cannes Competition title Gentle Monster starring Léa Seydoux for North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, according to MK2 Films.
- Netflix is also in talks to secure a $4‑$5 million deal for La Bola Negra, directed by Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo and starring Penélope Cruz, which earned a 20‑minute standing ovation at Cannes.
- Netflix sees these acquisitions as part of an Oscar‑season push, aiming to position Gentle Monster for a Best Actress nomination for Léa Seydoux.
- Marie Kreutzer, director of Gentle Monster, said the film was inspired by a Die Zeit article about a German pedophile criminal ring and reflects her personal reaction to the case.
- IndieWire reported Netflix’s acquisition of Gentle Monster as part of its Cannes sales slate, confirming the deal announced at the festival.
Why it matters: Netflix gains a potential Oscar contender and expands its premium content library, while competing studios lose a shot at the same awards; the $4‑$5 million deal boosts Netflix’s European film slate and could drive subscriber growth during awards season.
Ask SkimNews
