Mimi Cave, the visionary director behind the critically acclaimed "Fresh" (a gem!) and the underappreciated "Holland" (a misfire!), has embarked on her next cinematic venture: a gripping psychological thriller titled "Pumping Black," where Natalie Portman will star alongside Jonathan Bailey in a showdown against the ruthless world of professional cycling.
Set against the backdrop of the intense and cutthroat Tour de France, "Pumping Black" tells the tale of Taylor Mace, an aging professional cyclist portrayed by Bailey, who fears being pushed out of the sport at age 3. His life becomes entwined with Andrea Lathe, a doctor portrayed by Portman, whose insatiable thirst for power and victory pushes both characters into increasingly perilous territories as the Tour de France approaches.
The film, described as an "intense" and "adrenaline-fueled thriller" reminiscent of "Whiplash" and "Black Swan," delves into the themes of ambition, secrecy, and the psychological toll of elite competition. With Haley Hope Bartels' razor-sharp screenplay and Cave's direction, "Pumping Black" promises to be a cinematic experience that will leave audiences breathless.
The film's international sales will be launched at Cannes, and filming is slated to commence in the fall. Cave's recent works include her 2022 debut, "Fresh," an inventive cannibal dramedy starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan, and last year's "Holland," a much-delayed Nicole Kidman vehicle that received mixed reviews and went straight to Prime Video. With "Pumping Black," Cave is set to prove that she's not just a one-hit wonder but a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema.
