Vertical Entertainment acquires North American rights to thriller Measure of Revenge starring Melissa Leo, Bella Thorne, and Jake Weary

Los Angeles, CA (February 10, 2022) — Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to Measure of Revenge, a psychological thriller that marks an international directorial debut by Malaysian director Peyfa about an actress whose famous son dies suddenly from a supposed overdose, causing her to conduct her own investigation with the help of a drug dealer in pursuit of answers, justice, and revenge by any means necessary. Vertical is planning a day-and-date release on March 18, 2022.

The film stars Academy Award®-winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter, The Equalizer 2, Thunder Force), Bella Thorne (Midnight Sun, The Babysitter), Jake Weary (It Follows, Animal Kingdom), Roma Maffia (Disclosure), Adrian Martinez (The Guilty, Focus), and Benedict Samuel (The Walk). Measure of Revenge is produced by Jen Gatien (Midnight Sun, Limelight), Peter Wong (Clemency, Malignant) and Timur Bekbosunov (Color Out of Space, Come Away) of ACE Pictures Entertainment.

Broadway actress Lillian Cooper (Academy Award®-winner Melissa Leo) is making her final on-stage appearance when her famous son, Curtis (Jake Weary), is found dead. When his death is ruled as an accidental overdose, a suspicious Lillian decides to take matters into her own hands. On a quest for answers, she strikes up an unlikely alliance with her son’s drug dealer, Taz (Bella Thorne), setting in motion a bloody warpath to uncover the truth, inspired by the characters she portrayed on stage.

In a joint statement, producers Jen Gatien, Peter Wong and Timur Bekbosunov said, “We are excited to partner up with Vertical Entertainment on Measure of Revenge to release a film that is an emotional and thrilling experience filled with mystery and surprise. Melissa Leo delivers a powerful and energetic performance in the role of a mother hellbent on revenge, forming great screen chemistry with the immensely talented Bella Thorne. We can’t wait for audiences to discover the film.”

“Melissa steps into this role of a grieving and relentless mother seeking justice for her son with such ease that it draws the viewer deeply into her journey and keeps you captivated and rooting for her every step of the way,” said Peter Jarowey, Partner at Vertical Entertainment.

The executive producers of Measure of Revenge include Johnny Chang, Bronwyn Cornelius, and Emma Lee; the co-producer is Jay Cannold. Edmund Carson, Daren She, and Peter Wong are the film’s editors, Bianca Butti is cinematographer, and the production design is by Jesika Farkas. The score is composed by award-winning Nick Urata (Little Miss Sunshine, Paddington Bear, A Series of Unfortunate Events). 

Leo is represented by Agency for the Performing Arts and The Initiative Group; Thorne is represented by CAA, Thirty Three Management, and Strategic Public Relations; and Weary is represented by The Gersh Agency, Management 360, and Shafran PR.

Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical Entertainment, while Timur Bekbosunov and CAA negotiated on behalf of ACE Pictures.