Get ready to dive into a cinematic adventure that’s as haunting as it is captivating—because 1-2 Special has just snagged the North American rights to Rose of Nevada, a film that’s already turning heads at festivals worldwide. This indie distributor, fresh on the scene and already making waves, is bringing Mark Jenkin’s latest masterpiece to audiences across the continent. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Rose of Nevada isn’t just another drama—it’s a time-bending tale starring George MacKay and Callum Turner as fishermen who stumble upon a ship seemingly trapped in a time loop. Sounds like the perfect blend of eerie and thought-provoking, right?
Jenkin, known for his unique filmmaking style, delivers once again with this third feature. Shot on 16mm film using a wind-up Bolex camera and with all sound added in post-production, Rose of Nevada is a testament to his versatility as a writer, director, cinematographer, and editor. If you’re a fan of his previous works, Bait (a BAFTA winner) and Enys Men (Best Sound at the British Independent Film Awards), you’ll want to mark your calendar for this one. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons sidebar and made its North American debut in Toronto, leaving audiences both puzzled and mesmerized.
And this is the part most people miss: 1-2 Special, launched just this February by former Sideshow executive Jason Hellerstein, is part of a bold wave of theatrical-first distributors aiming to shake up the domestic market. Backed by private investors led by Alex Lo’s Cinema Inutile, the company has been on a buying spree at festivals, snapping up award-winning titles like Radu Jude’s Kontinental ‘25 and Dracula, Harris Dickinson’s Urchin, and Ildikó Enyedi’s Silent Friend. Their strategy? Bring critically acclaimed, conversation-starting films to theaters, proving there’s still a place for indie gems on the big screen.
But here’s the controversial question: In an era dominated by streaming, can theatrical-first distributors like 1-2 Special truly carve out a sustainable niche? Or is this a nostalgic gamble? Let’s discuss in the comments—because while Rose of Nevada is set to hit theaters next year, the future of indie distribution might just be as unpredictable as its plot. One thing’s for sure: 1-2 Special is betting big on the magic of cinema, and we’re here for it.
