Bleeding Love – Vertical picks up the new road trip drama starring Ewan & Clara McGregor

Vertical has acquired U.S. rights from Sobini to Bleeding Love, a gritty, emotional tale about healing familial wounds through re-connection starring real-life father and daughter Ewan McGregor & Clara McGregor. Having had its world premiere at this year’s SXSW, Bleeding Love is from writer-director Emma Westenberg, who made her feature film debut from a script by Ruby Caster. The film is based on an original story by Clara McGregor, Vera Bulder, and Caster.

Vertical has slated the film for a day-and-date release on February 16, 2024.

After a drastic incident in her life, a young woman (Clara) embarks on an impromptu road trip with her estranged father (Ewan). En-route to their destination of Santa Fe, New Mexico, the two are forced to confront the issues of their past that have led to their frail relationship, while encountering an eccentric array of characters along the way, in order to bring them closer together again.

Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey stated, “The dynamic between Ewan and Clara on screen is lightning in a bottle. The film explores many complicated, emotional issues – family clashes, love, loss, addiction – and how individuals react to their circumstances. But it also illuminates how these two flawed characters can rise above the turmoil, heal, and reconnect. Emma has done a fantastic job capturing the highs and lows and delivers a wonderful, poignant film audiences are sure to embrace.”

Westenberg commented, “I am excited to be working with Vertical on the release of this film. It was incredible to work with real life father-daughter duo Clara and Ewan McGregor on a story so personal to everyone involved. Their acting talents and real-life bonds combined to make them burst off the screen. I am grateful for the support of all the producers and crew on the project.”

The film is produced by Christine Vachon, Mark Amin, Clara McGregor, Vera Bulder, Greg Lauritano, Mason Plotts, and Cami Winikoff. The executive producers are Ewan McGregor, Emma Westenberg, Tyler Boehm, and Brent Morris. The cinematographer is Christopher Ripley, editor Autumn Dea and composer Raven Aartsen.

Vertical’s Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical;

UTA Independent Film Group negotiated the deal on behalf of the production.