Katie Aselton’s directorial debut in indie rom-com/drama “The Freebie” has been unveiled and exhibits a picture that looks very much like a relative of the many mumblecore films which featured Aselton’s talented husband Mark Duplass. And no surprise there really, he also produced the film.
Starring Aselton herself alongside Dax Shepard, the film centers on a couple who agree to give each other a “freebie” for one night in their marriage in which “anything goes,” an experience that will no doubt complicate things. It’s more or less the same plot as the Farrelly Brother’s forthcoming “Hall Pass” but probably with a more low-key, personal approach.
Reviews out of Sundance, where the film premiered under the NEXT umbrella, have generally been positive noting a funny, smart and true exploration of relationships and trust. Shepard’s performance, in fact, is one that looks to have drawn significant praise but we’ll believe it when we see it.
“The Freebie” will see a theatrical release on September 17th through Phase 4 Films. [Yahoo]