The buzz surrounding Jenna Ortega’s next move has officially shifted to the high-stakes world of fine art. Ortega and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman are starring in a new feature film titled “The Gallerist,” which made its world premiere this weekend, January 24, at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.
Directed by Cathy Yan (Birds of Prey), the film is a dark comedy and thriller that tackles the absurdity and ruthlessness of the modern art scene. Portman stars as Polina Polinski, a Miami gallery owner facing financial ruin on the eve of Art Basel. When an obnoxious art influencer named Dalton Hardberry (played by Zach Galifianakis) accidentally dies in her gallery, Polina chooses not to call the authorities. Instead, she decides to “curate” the tragedy, presenting the body as a provocative piece of performance art.
Ortega plays Kiki Gorman, Polina’s executive director and assistant, who becomes a reluctant accomplice in the macabre scheme. Early reviews from the festival have highlighted the chemistry between the two leads, with critics noting that Ortega’s “straight man” performance perfectly balances Portman’s more manic, desperate character. The plot thickens when Kiki’s aunt, a legendary art dealer played by Catherine Zeta-Jones, arrives to help facilitate the sale of the “artwork” before the body begins to decompose.
The production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Catherine Zeta-Jones as Marianne Gorman, a glamorous art dealer recently released from prison.
- Sterling K. Brown as Tom Mayer, Polina’s ex-husband.
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Stella Burgess, an emerging artist whose work becomes the center of the scandal.
- Charli xcx as Alex, the suspicious girlfriend of the deceased influencer.
- Daniel Brühl in a supporting role.
As of now, “The Gallerist” is seeking distribution following its Sundance debut. While a general release date has not been finalized, the star power involved suggests a significant theatrical or streaming launch is expected later this year.
Trevor Decker News will continue to monitor the film’s progress, including the release of an official trailer and confirmed dates for a wide release.