Metrograph Pictures has today dropped a brand-new trailer for Gazer, the neo-noir mystery thriller marking the directorial debut of Ryan J. Sloan. The film, which Sloan co-wrote with Ariella Mastroianni, follows a young mother battling a rare condition that warps her perception of time, pushing her to make increasingly dangerous choices in an effort to secure a future for her daughter.
The film enters on Mastroianni’s character, a woman grappling with the clock ticking ever faster as she struggles to save money before her condition worsens. In a desperate attempt to change her financial trajectory, she accepts a mysterious job from a woman with a dark past. What follows is a tense and suspenseful journey, where revenge, deception, and murder entangle her in ways she never anticipated.
Shot on 16mm over the course of two years, Gazer was filmed on a shoestring budget, with Sloan working as an electrician and Mastroianni involved in film programming in New York City. The film’s raw and intimate style evokes the legendary paranoia thrillers of the 1970s and ’80s, while also paying tribute to the influence of cinematic greats across generations.
David Laub, Head of Metrograph Pictures, praised Gazer as “a movie born of cinema and those who love it,” emphasizing its homage to the unforgettable New York thrillers of the 1970s and ’80s. He also expressed his excitement about the fresh talent of Sloan and Mastroianni. “Ryan and Ariella’s approach and work deeply inspired us,” Laub said. “We feel truly aligned with them and think Gazer is the perfect film to be championing and releasing at Metrograph Pictures.”
For Sloan, the partnership with Metrograph Pictures is a dream come true: “Ariella and I are beyond excited that Gazer has found a home with Metrograph Pictures,” Sloan shared. “David Laub is a true cinephile who champions filmmakers and shares our dedication to the theatrical experience. We are honored to be part of the unique vision for the future of Metrograph Pictures, a true home for movie lovers.”
Self-produced by Sloan and Mastroianni under their Telstar Films banner, Gazer is excutive produced by Sean Glass and Emily Korteweg.
Gazer will open in theaters on February 21, 2025 and we’ll leave you with the aforementioned trailer for the film that promises a fresh perspective on the thriller genre, with a sharp, inventive take on the complexities of time, memory, and identity.
