While Netflix already has an Oscar nomination under its belt thanks to the documentary Virunga, the streaming service is hoping that Beasts of No Nation will be its first feature film to get nominations. The movie, which stars Idris Elba, will be available online and in theaters this October.
Netflix said earlier this month that Beasts will hit theaters on Oct. 16. However, today, more details on the release were announced, notes TheWrap.
The film will only be shown in Landmark Theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Indianapolis, Houston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, Seattle, San Francisco, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, San Diego and St. Louis. By releasing the film in Los Angeles, it will be eligible for the Academy Awards, even though it will be available to stream at home on Oct. 16.
It is also set to be screened at both Venice and Toronto international film festivals in September.
Beasts stars Elba as a warlord who becomes a mentor to a child soldier, played by newcomer Abraham Attah. It is based on a novel by Uzodinma Iweala and was written and directed by Cary Fukunaga (Jane Eyre, True Detective season one).
The producers are Amy Kaufman and Fukunaga, Elba, Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker, Dan Crown for Red Crown Productions.
Netflix also released a short teaser, which you can watch below:
screenshot from Netflix YouTube video