UBI, the global film distributor, streaming platform, and production company, has secured worldwide rights to Hot Milk, the directorial debut of acclaimed screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The film, based on Deborah Levy’s 2016 Booker Prize-shortlisted novel, is set to have its World Premiere in competition at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival.
Initially, MUBI had acquired distribution rights for the UK, Ireland, Italy, Latin America, and Turkey. With this latest deal, the company has expanded its acquisition to include Germany, Austria, and India, reinforcing its commitment to bringing high-quality independent cinema to global audiences.
A Captivating Story Set in the Spanish Heat
Set in the scorching summer of Almería, Spain, Hot Milk follows Rose (Fiona Shaw) and her daughter Sofia (Emma Mackey) as they seek answers about Rose’s mysterious illness from an enigmatic healer, Gómez (Vincent Perez).
As Sofia navigates the weight of responsibility toward her ailing mother, she finds herself drawn to the magnetic and free-spirited traveler Ingrid (Vicky Krieps). Their relationship sparks newfound independence in Sofia, but as she begins to break free, her controlling mother struggles to hold on, setting the stage for an emotionally charged and tension-filled drama.
With themes of identity, control, and liberation, Hot Milk delivers a sensual and psychological exploration of mother-daughter dynamics, intensified by the sweltering Spanish sun.
A Star-Studded Cast and Acclaimed Crew
Hot Milk features Emma Mackey, known for her breakout roles in Sex Education, Emily, and Barbie, alongside Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter, Killing Eve) and Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread, Corsage). The film’s cinematography is helmed by Christopher Blauvelt, whose previous work includes May December, Emma, and First Cow.
Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s Directorial Debut
Hot Milk marks the first feature-length directorial effort from Rebecca Lenkiewicz, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Lenkiewicz co-wrote Ida with Pawel Pawlikowski, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015. She has since penned acclaimed films like Disobedience, Colette, Servants, and She Said, the latter earning her a BAFTA nomination and the WGA West’s Paul Selvin Award.
Production and Release Plans
Hot Milk is produced by Christine Langan, a BAFTA-winning and Academy Award-nominated producer, along with Kate Glover and Giorgos Karnavas. The project was developed by Bonnie Productions in collaboration with Film4 and features an extensive team of executive producers.
The film’s Berlinale premiere in 2025 will mark the beginning of its festival circuit run, with MUBI handling its global theatrical and streaming distribution.