Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to Cheryl Hines' directorial debut "Serious Moonlight."
The dark comedy, about an attorney who holds her husband captive when she finds out he's about to leave her for a younger woman, stars Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristen Bell and Justin Long.
Pic is based on a script by late writer-director Adrienne Shelly ("Waitress"). Producers are Shelly's husband Andy Ostroy and Michael Roiff, who also produced "Waitress."
Magnolia will send the pic out in November via its Ultra VOD program, available in 50 million households. Theatrical release follows in early December. A similar strategy was employed on other Magnolia releases, including 2008 Demi Moore-starrer "Flawless."
Deal was negotiated by Magnolia's senior VP Tom Quinn and head of business affairs Chris Matson, with Andrew Herwitz of the Film Sales Co. and attorney John Logigian.
Contact the Variety newsroom at
news@variety.com