Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired the domestic distribution rights to the offbeat heist thriller comedy Drag, which premiered at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival. The film, directed by Raviv Ullman and Greg Yagolnitzer in their feature directorial debuts, stars Lizzy Caplan, Lucy DeVito, John Stamos and Christine Ko. Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg has scheduled a fall theatrical release for the movie.
The story centers on two estranged sisters who attempt to rob a secluded home in rural upstate New York. What starts as a straightforward heist quickly turns chaotic when one sister throws out her back and becomes immobilized on the second floor. The plot then follows their desperate race to escape before the homeowners return, delving into themes of sibling rivalry, physical pain and family bonds.
According to the directors, the project represents a darkly comedic vision brought to life with support from the cast, crew and partners. “There’s no better way to experience the unhinged mayhem of Drag than in a theater, and we have to thank our incredible cast, crew, Jersey Films 2nd Ave., and Briarcliff for making a couple of filmmakers’ very darkly comedic dream come to life,” Ullman and Yagolnitzer said in a joint statement.
The producers, Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito and Jake DeVito through their company Jersey Films 2nd Avenue, described the film as fitting their focus on independent projects. “The producers called the film ‘exactly the kind of hard hitting and fun independent movie we love to make at Jersey. It’s a blast to see with a crowd on the big screen,’” the announcement noted.
Ortenberg praised the movie’s originality and ensemble. “Ortenberg called Drag ‘a brilliantly original film that’s suspenseful, hilarious, and completely unpredictable. The cast led by Lizzy, Lucy, John and Christine are the magic that makes the concept work. Audiences are in for a huge treat,’” the report stated.
This marks the first indie feature from Jersey Films 2nd Avenue, the production company founded by the DeVitos. The outfit previously launched the animated FXX series Little Demon and the Amazon sports docuseries Game 7. Their new film initiative aims to support original voices and bold, genre-defying storytelling.
The deal was negotiated by Tom Ortenberg and Jessica Rose for Briarcliff Entertainment, along with CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers. The acquisition follows the film’s SXSW premiere earlier this year, where it drew attention for its blend of thriller elements and comedy.
Additional context from industry reports shows Briarcliff has been active in acquiring titles with theatrical potential, including other recent deals for holiday releases. The fall rollout for Drag positions it among other independent films seeking wide audience engagement in theaters.
Cast members bring varied backgrounds to the project, with Caplan known for roles in high-profile series and DeVito continuing family ties to the production through her work as both actress and producer. Stamos and Ko add further star power to the ensemble-driven narrative.
Officials involved emphasized the collaborative nature of the production. The directors highlighted the support that allowed their vision to reach completion, while the producers focused on the film’s appeal for communal viewing experiences.
Looking ahead, the theatrical release is expected to test how audiences respond to the film’s mix of suspense and humor in a post-pandemic cinema landscape. No specific opening weekend figures have been announced yet, but the strategy aligns with similar indie acquisitions that build through word-of-mouth.
Industry observers note that Jersey Films 2nd Avenue’s expansion into features could signal more projects in the pipeline, though details on future titles remain limited at this stage. The current focus stays on launching Drag successfully this fall.