AceShowbiz - Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler star in the suspenseful new sci-fi thriller The Saviors, a film that cleverly leverages their diverse previous roles to engage and surprise audiences. Known for his comedic roots in projects such as Party Down and Parks & Recreation, Adam Scott has since expanded his range with appearances in the sci-fi Apple TV series Severance, the drama Big Little Lies on HBO, and the horror film The Monkey. Meanwhile, Danielle Deadwyler gained recognition from Netflix’s Western thriller The Harder They Fall and the biopic Till, and is also set to lead the upcoming X-Files reboot by Ryan Coogler.

Directed and co-written by Kevin Hamedani, The Saviors centers on suburban couple Sean and Kim Harrison, played by Scott and Deadwyler respectively. The couple is on the brink of divorce and decides to rent out their garage to Middle Eastern siblings Amir and Jahan Razi, played by Theo Rossi and another cast member. Their goal is to earn money to fix and sell their house before fully separating. However, strange and unsettling events following the tenants’ arrival push Sean and Kim into a tense investigation that unravels surprising emotional and chilling truths for all involved.

Adam Scott also serves as producer on the film through his Great Scott Productions company, alongside his wife Naomi. The cast boasts a notable lineup including Colleen Camp from Mainstream, Ron Perlman from Fallout, Greg Kinnear of Smoke, Theo Rossi known from The Penguin, Nazanin Boniadi from The Rings of Power, Kate Berlant of A League of Their Own, and Daveed Diggs from Snowpiercer.

In celebration of The Saviors premiere at SXSW, ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan spoke with Scott, Deadwyler, Rossi, and director Kevin Hamedani about the film. Hamedani revealed his intention to create a “disarming” atmosphere that balances the film’s heavy themes with moments of enjoyment. He noted that Scott had been attached to the project for years, describing him as a “dream actor” capable of maintaining belief in the story throughout the lengthy development.

According to Hamedani, Scott suggested Deadwyler for the role of Kim, feeling she was perfect for the part. Casting Theo Rossi followed, and the rest of the ensemble quickly came together within a week. Hamedani shared, “Kate Berlant was Adam’s friend, and we were all fans, but we didn’t know they were friends, so that helped.” He also praised Ron Perlman’s involvement, which came together shortly before filming his scene. The director cited a recent funny performance by Greg Kinnear on Curb Your Enthusiasm as a sign to cast him, calling the final lineup a “dream come true.”

Despite the strong cast, both Rossi and Scott joked about a “weak link” in the film — the dog actor. Hamedani admitted that production members were not fond of the dog, but commended its professionalism in delivering a one-take performance. Scott humorously noted that following Shudder’s Good Boy, an award for Best Dog might be appropriate.

The story of The Saviors opens with Sean and Kim in a difficult emotional place, as they navigate the fraught process of separation. Scott described Sean as still hoping for reconciliation, whereas Kim, portrayed by Deadwyler, is more tentative and challenged by the tension brought on by their new renters. Kim struggles day by day with paranoia and the ongoing strain of their situation.

Theo Rossi discussed his character Amir, who rents the garage space ostensibly as an Airbnb. The film leaves open the possibility that Amir’s intentions may be ambiguous or even nefarious, creating a layer of suspense and uncertainty. Director Hamedani emphasized that Amir is “just there,” but hinted that audiences will question his true purpose throughout the movie.

The Saviors made its debut at SXSW and is currently awaiting a worldwide release date. The film promises a compelling blend of sci-fi, thriller, and drama, anchored by a talented cast and a director focused on delivering both emotional depth and engaging entertainment.

With a complex narrative exploring the unraveling of a suburban couple’s life after renting their garage to mysterious tenants, The Saviors invites audiences to question motivations and confront unsettling truths. The collaboration of Adam Scott and Danielle Deadwyler brings a fresh and nuanced energy to this highly anticipated thriller.