Get ready for a heart-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat—Mila Kunis is not only starring in but also producing the film adaptation of Tracy Sierra’s gripping novel, *Nightwatching*. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this project is a powerhouse collaboration between Scott Free, Picturestart, and Fifth Season, with Amazon MGM Studios handling international distribution. And this is the part most people miss—Kunis is launching her new production company, Brick for Sheep, with this film, marking a bold step into the world of producing.
The story itself is a nail-biter: imagine a mother, Lee, whose quiet night during a brutal winter storm turns into a terrifying fight for survival when an intruder invades her home. As she battles to protect her children, she’s thrust into a chilling game of uncertainty, questioning not just the intruder’s identity but their true intentions. Nightwatching isn’t just a thriller—it’s a deep dive into the fragile boundary between safety and fear, and the lengths a parent will go to when everything is at stake. But here’s the controversial part: how far is too far when it comes to protecting your family? Would you cross moral lines if it meant keeping your loved ones safe?
Behind the scenes, the project is just as impressive. Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, and Sam Roston are producing for Scott Free, while Erik Feig and Jessica Switch lead the charge for Picturestart. Kunis teams up with Lisa Sterbakov for Brick for Sheep, and Graham Taylor and Christopher Slager executive produce for Fifth Season, who’s financing the film. Production kicks off in late January, thanks to California’s tax incentive program.
Kunis, fresh off her role in the star-studded Knives Out sequel Wake Up Dead Man, is no stranger to bold projects. Her production credits include Netflix’s Luckiest Girl Alive and the Web3 animated series Stoner Cats and The Gimmicks. Directing Nightwatching are Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, the duo behind Netflix’s hit thriller Don’t Move. They’re also attached to direct Every House is Haunted, produced by Sam Raimi and Roy Lee. But here’s a thought: with Kunis stepping into producing and Schindler & Netto’s track record, could this be the start of a new era for thriller filmmaking?
Representing the project are CAA Media Finance and WME Independent for domestic distribution rights. Kunis is repped by CAA, Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP, and Curtis Talent, while Schindler & Netto are with UTA and Law Offices of Matthew Saver. Tracy Sierra, the author of the novel, is represented by WME and The Helen Heller Agency. Scott Free, Picturestart, and Brick for Sheep are also backed by top agencies, ensuring this film has all the right support.
Scott Free’s upcoming slate is equally impressive, with Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut The Chronology of Water, Trap House starring Dave Bautista, and Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars for 20th Century Studios. But the real question is: will Nightwatching outshine them all? Let us know what you think in the comments—are you excited for this adaptation, and do you think Kunis’ producing debut will set a new standard for thrillers?
