Divinity Gains SAG-AFTRA Permit: Star-Studded Sci-Fi Set for Theatrical Rollout

Writer-director Eddie Alcazar's high-concept sci-fi film, Divinity, has acquired a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement. The agreement enables its stars, which include notable names such as Stephen Dorff, Bella Thorne, and Scott Bakula, to promote the film ahead of its theatrical release. Divinity is set to be shown at the Regal Union Square in New York on October 13th, followed by an LA showing on the 20th. A wide release is slated for November 3rd.

This dystopian black-and-white indie film is distributed by Utopia and Sumerian, and first appeared before audiences in the NEXT section of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. The film has been presented and executive produced by Steven Soderbergh.

Divinity unfolds in an alternate human existence, with Bakula's character, a scientist named Sterling Pierce, devoted to the pursuit of immortality. Pierce's tireless work yields an innovative serum, aptly named "Divinity".

Stephen Dorff stars as the scientist's son, Jaxxon Pierce, who now handles the production of his father's prodigious invention, which has become perversely dominant in their barren societal existence. The drug, shrouded in an aura of enigma, forms the central plotline of the film. The arrival of two mysterious brothers portrayed by Moises Arias and Jason Genao leads to a kidnapping plot, aided by a seductive woman named Nikita (Karrueche Tran), straddling the allure of genuine immortality.

The film is based on Alcazar's script, produced in collaboration with Javier Lovato, Raphael Gindre, and Johnny Starke.

Earlier this year, Dorff made an appearance at Deadline’s Sundance Studio and articulated his decision to join the venture, citing Alcazar's intriguing short, The Vandal, as a key driving factor. Co-star Thorne echoed Dorff's enthusiasm, describing it as an invigorating experience on "a very unorthodox set."

And now, with such fascinating details established, let's allow the critic in me to have a word.

Remember Divinity is a black and white indie- refreshingly retro in this age of visual effects rainbow, and perhaps, stylistically fitting a dystopian narrative. Stephen Dorff, who seems to always be one thespian mile away from real praise, could be in line for a much-deserved turn in the spotlight.

The Interim Agreement has encouraging implications - it's the industry's nudge that says, "It's your turn, kid, go on and promote your stuff." With the SAG-AFTRA seal of approval, the movie's stars have the green light for a promotional marathon. Bakula, Dorff, and Thorne are likely to be everywhere ahead of October 13th.

As for the storyline, let us commend Alcazar's imaginative soiree into the realms of afterlife and rebirth, buffered by a dose of scientific wonder. The push-pull dynamics between father-son protagonists provide a fertile ground for riveting drama, further augmented by the mystery of the drug and its transformative potential. Plus, the unexpected twist of an abduction plot adds an extra zest to the overall narrative.

But darling, beyond the facts, the fanfare and the dystopian future, lies the glam, the grit and the galore of applause - or, perhaps, the wider world's good riddance. For the cineaste, it's time to keep an eye on this intriguing retro gem. Either way, judging by Bella Thorne's confident bet on the film, Divinity seems set to raise more than just brows this fall season.

As October nears, grab your popcorn, folks!