“Birds of Prey” director Cathy Yan has been slated to write and direct an upcoming sci-fi comedy movie titled, “The Freshening.” The film is an adaptation of a short story written by Rachel Khong that envisions an America in which citizens take a drug that cures racism and sexism.
According to Variety, the film is being produced by Filmnation, the budding studio behind “Promising Young Woman” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield.” Yan is excited about the film, commenting, ““The Freshening is exactly the type of daring and timely film that excites me as a writer and director.”
Yan’s last project was the Harley Quinn origin story, “Birds of Prey,” starring Margot Robbie. And while the film itself received mixed reviews, Yan’s direction was widely praised. Specifically, her kinetic action scenes in which Yan favored longer takes over abrupt editing, a choice that made the violence in “Birds of Prey” a league above other DC movies.
It should be interesting to see how Yan depicts “The Freshening” onto the big screen. The film’s plot is certainly relevant in an era where racism and sexism runs parallel to each other online. But while a heavy topic, I’m hoping Yan can strike a comedic tone similar to Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster,” another comedic drama set in a dystopian future.
Be on the lookout for upcoming casting decision and pre-production announcements. Until then, here’s a masterful action scene directed by Cathy Yan in “Birds of Prey.”
