Steven Soderbergh is pairing his latest directorial effort with an unusual exhibition strategy, teaming up with the British arthouse chain Everyman and his own spirits brand, Singani 63, for a special London-based screening series. The project, titled A Man Under the Influence, marks a return to the big screen for the filmmaker, though details about its plot, runtime, and release date remain under wraps.
The collaboration, confirmed exclusively, will see the film presented in a curated setting that blends cinema with the social elements of Soderbergh's Bolivian brandy venture. While the director is perhaps best known in mainstream circles for helming the blockbuster The Hunger Games franchise - per verified metadata - his career has long straddled independent filmmaking and commercial success. The screenings are set to offer audiences an experience that goes beyond a standard theatrical run, though specific dates and locations across Everyman’s London venues have yet to be fully disclosed.
Soderbergh, who serves as the sole credited cast member in the film’s metadata, has a history of unconventional distribution. From releasing High Flying Bird on Netflix to experimenting with the theatrical and streaming release of Let Them All Talk, the director has consistently sought new ways to reach viewers. This latest partnership with Everyman, a chain known for its plush sofas, in-cinema dining, and community-focused programming, suggests a deliberate move toward intimate, event-driven viewing rather than a wide commercial rollout.
The inclusion of Singani 63 in the project’s branding adds another layer to the endeavor. Soderbergh has been the public face of the spirits company since 2012, often using his celebrity to promote the product at film festivals and industry events. In this case, the brand’s involvement could mean themed evenings, pre- or post-screening tastings, or simply a sponsorship arrangement that helps fund the limited engagement. For a filmmaker who has occasionally criticized the rigidity of traditional studio marketing, such a tie-in offers a way to make the screening itself a destination, blurring the lines between a film premiere and a social gathering.
What remains unclear is whether A Man Under the Influence is a feature-length work or a shorter piece, as the production has been kept quiet. Soderbergh’s recent output has included everything from pandemic-era iPhone films like Kimi to the noirish Presence, which debuted to strong reviews. His unpredictable schedule - he has announced retirement multiple times only to return - makes any new project a subject of intense curiosity, and this one appears no different. The title itself hints at a character study, perhaps exploring themes of power, deception, or dependency, though no synopsis has been offered.
Everyman’s role in this partnership is significant. Unlike major multiplex chains, Everyman has built its identity around a boutique feel, with many locations housed in repurposed theaters or historic buildings. A Soderbergh film would naturally fit their programming slate, which often includes repertory screenings, director Q&As, and limited runs of prestige pictures. For the chain, hosting this series adds a coup to their calendar, aligning them with a high-profile auteur known for drawing cinephiles.
The London focus is also telling. Soderbergh has frequently shot and promoted work in the UK, and Singani 63 has a presence in international markets. By launching the screenings there, the team may be testing audience response before any wider release, or it could be a one-off promotional event. Given the lack of any confirmed release date, the series may function as a preview or an exclusive engagement rather than a full distribution strategy.
As for the film’s content, the sparse metadata - director: Soderbergh; cast: Soderbergh - raises questions about whether this is a solo effort, possibly a documentary or experimental piece in which the director appears. It wouldn't be out of character for him to take on multiple roles behind and in front of the camera. Until more details emerge, the project will likely generate speculation on social media, where Soderbergh’s announcements - often cryptic, occasionally via his own social channels - tend to spark immediate fan theorizing.
For now, audiences in London will be the first to experience whatever A Man Under the Influence turns out to be. Whether it marks a new distribution model or simply a quirky cultural event, the collaboration underscores Soderbergh’s enduring willingness to rethink how stories reach their audiences. With Everyman providing the venue and Singani 63 adding a branded twist, the series promises to be as distinctive as its maker. More information is expected in the coming weeks as ticketing details and screen dates are finalized.
Source: Variety