Get ready to binge-watch because the mastermind behind Woman of the Hour, Ian McDonald, is back with another jaw-dropping project—and Netflix is all in! But here’s where it gets controversial: his latest untitled thriller pitch dives into the dark and twisted world of cults, a topic that’s as fascinating as it is unsettling. With Academy Award nominees Andrea Berloff and John Gatins on board to produce, this project is already shaping up to be a must-watch. And this is the part most people miss—McDonald’s ability to weave true crime into gripping fiction, as seen in Woman of the Hour, which sold to Netflix for a cool $11M after wowing audiences at TIFF. That film, a fictionalized take on serial killer Rodney Alcala’s chilling appearance on The Dating Game, was a masterclass in tension and storytelling, told through the eyes of an aspiring actress (Anna Kendrick) who unknowingly dates a murderer. Bold claim? McDonald’s work isn’t just entertainment—it’s a mirror to society’s darkest corners. Now, with Berloff and Gatins—the brains behind Straight Outta Compton, Flight, and the upcoming The Last Mrs. Parrish—this new cult-centric thriller promises to be equally thought-provoking. But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: cults are a sensitive topic, often tied to real-life tragedies. Is Hollywood exploiting these stories, or shedding light on important issues? Let’s discuss in the comments. Meanwhile, with Netflix’s backing and this powerhouse team, one thing’s for sure: McDonald’s next project is bound to spark conversations—and maybe even a few sleepless nights.
