The phrase Astrolatry refers to the worship of heavenly bodies, but the upcoming indie film of the same name centers on a corporeal appendage: a killer penis.
It follows a chronic masturbator whose obsession with a beauty cream model propels him into violent delusions, culminating in an accidental castration. His severed penis becomes sentient, embarking on a psychosexual killing spree.
It’s part psychological thriller, part creature feature, and a “modern reimagining of Maniac, directed by Ken Russell,” writer-director David Gordon tells Variety.
Gordon says the film “seeks to satirize the ‘nice guy’ trope and toxic masculinity by positioning them as parallel phenomena both leading to the objectification of others.”
Ethan Daniel Corbett, Milena Abilova, Isabel Fugatt, Aaron Groben, Michael Mau, Christine Schlehuber, and Kristin Lorenz star.
Gordon makes his feature directorial debut on the project, in addition to serving as cinematographer, editor, and producer.
Astrolatry will be featured as part of the Buyers Showcase at the Cannes Festival’s Frontières Platform, running May 16-17.
