Kelly Reilly’s Thrilling Turn: The Rise of Intense Female Leads in Streaming
“Yellowstone” star Kelly Reilly’s performance in the 2018 abduction thriller “10×10,” now streaming on Netflix, highlights a growing trend: the demand for complex, resilient female characters in suspenseful narratives. The film, directed by Suzi Ewing, showcases Reilly’s ability to portray strength even in harrowing circumstances, echoing her popular role as Beth Dutton.
The Appeal of Grit and Resilience
Beth Dutton’s popularity, and reportedly a reason “Yellowstone” wasn’t picked up by HBO, stems from her uncompromising nature. This mirrors the character Reilly plays in “10×10,” a woman who fights back against her captor. Audiences are increasingly drawn to female characters who aren’t simply victims, but actively struggle and demonstrate agency, even when facing extreme adversity. This trend is reflected in the success of psychological thrillers on platforms like Netflix.
Independent Film’s Path to Streaming Success
“10×10” initially had a limited release, but has found a new audience through streaming. This illustrates a common trajectory for independent films distributed by companies like Vertical Entertainment. Vertical releases films across various mediums, including theatrical, video on demand, and streaming. The company, founded in 2012 by Rich Goldberg and Mitch Budin, has seen its films receive award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “Four Great Days.”
The Evolution of the Psychological Thriller
Netflix offers a wide selection of psychological thrillers, and “10×10” fits into this genre. While not a classic, the film has garnered a respectable 67% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have noted the film’s suspenseful plot and Reilly’s compelling performance. The film’s director, Suzi Ewing, aimed to challenge stereotypes by portraying a woman’s violence as both “gentle and similarly terrifyingly fierce.”
Vertical Entertainment: A Key Player in Independent Distribution
Vertical Entertainment plays a significant role in bringing independent films to a wider audience. The company has expanded its slate to release over 80 films per year. They acquire and release studio-quality films for all platforms, including limited theatrical runs, home entertainment, and digital on-demand services. In May 2024, Deadline Hollywood noted Vertical’s transition from a “VOD expert” to a respected theatrical player.
The Future of Female-Led Thrillers
The success of films like “10×10” and the enduring popularity of characters like Beth Dutton suggest a continued demand for complex, strong female leads in the thriller genre. This trend is likely to continue as streaming platforms seek out content that resonates with audiences craving nuanced and empowering narratives. Vertical Entertainment’s recent acquisition of Olivier Assayas’ political thriller, “The Wizard Of The Kremlin,” starring Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, and Jude Law, indicates a continued focus on high-quality, character-driven stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Vertical Entertainment? Vertical Entertainment is an independent film distribution company founded in 2012, releasing films across all mediums.
- Where can I watch “10×10”? “10×10” is currently streaming on Netflix.
- Who directed “10×10”? Suzi Ewing directed “10×10.”
- What is Kelly Reilly known for? Kelly Reilly is best known for her role as Beth Dutton in the television series “Yellowstone.”
Pro Tip: Explore Vertical Entertainment’s film library at movieinsider.com to discover more independent films.
Did you know? Vertical Entertainment has expanded its distribution to include a UK arm, launched in November 2019.
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