In the upcoming feature Stranglehold, modern social media obsession collides with gritty survival in a raw, fast-paced Christmas-set crime thriller.
Fed up with living paycheck to paycheck and captivated by influencers’ glamorous lives, a small-town stripper named Bailey decides to take matters into her own hands. Teaming up with her ex-military husband, Tim, she plots a high-stakes robbery. One against her own employer. They are driven by a desperate bid to afford a decent Christmas for their daughter and escape poverty. However, the couple’s plan quickly spirals into an intense struggle for survival.
A Powerhouse Cast Led by Industry Veterans
Directed by Clark Duke, Stranglehold brings together a stacked ensemble cast to bring its desperate characters to life. Ashley Benson (Pretty Little Liars) stars alongside Jake Lacy (The White Lotus). The cast also features veteran heavyweights and genre favorites. That includes Justin Long, Ron Perlman, Chandler Duke, and Elle King. Scream star David Arquette also joins alongside Brian Posehn and Chris Redd.
Clark Duke Continues His Directorial Momentum
Stranglehold marks Clark Duke’s sophomore feature directorial effort. He also co-wrote and produced the film. Duke first made his mark as an actor and creator in projects like Clark and Michael, The Office, Kick-Ass, and Hot Tub Time Machine. /however, he made his feature directorial debut with the critically acclaimed crime film Arkansas, starring alongside Vince Vaughn and Liam Hemsworth.
Co-written with Chandler Duke and Billington Garrett, Stranglehold continues Duke’s signature focus on colorful characters and regional noir storytelling. Following this release, Duke is slated to helm his third feature, an adaptation of Jonathan Lethem’s novel You Don’t Love Me Yet.
Digital Release and Red-Band Teaser
Audiences seeking an uncompromising, edge-of-your-seat heist thriller can catch Stranglehold on digital platforms and Video on Demand on Friday, October 2. To get an early glimpse of the film’s dark humor, intense action, and practical tension, watch the newly released Red Band trailer below.
If you’re in the mood for more serious action and thrillers, you can find them here.
