Useful Idiots: A Gripping Tale of Ambition and Deception in Manhattan’s Elite

Production Details

Title: Useful Idiots

Format: Feature Film

Production Begins: January 2026

Filming Location: New York

Producer: Zhang Xin, Jonathan King, Bruce Cohen, William Horberg, Graham Taylor, Christopher Slager, Dan Guando

Writer: Shachar Bar-On

Writer/Director: Joseph Cedar

Line Producer: Johnny Holland, Daniel Bekerman

Production Manager: Jessica Cheung

Director of Photography: Yaron Scharf

Cast: Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver

Synopsis

The New York-set thriller follows Diane Castle, a veteran journalist who covers the New York luxury property market. She’s disillusioned with writing puff pieces about the wealthy elite and regrets not having lived up to her potential. When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime. At its center is a mysterious oligarch whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers, and a brilliant young strategist. Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family, and all those around her.

Production Companies:

Black Bear Pictures
Technique
132 Goswell Road
London EC1V 7DY
UK
Santa Monica, CA 90404
info@blackbearpictures.com
+44 1632 960961
careers@blackbearpictures.com

Bruce Cohen Productions
+1 212-335-2015
info@brucecohenproductions.com
Closer Media
info@closermedia.com

Concordia Studios
535 Victoria Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
js@concordia.studio
+1 310-578-6444

Fifth Season
11355 W Olympic Blvd., 10th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90064
careers@fifthseason.com
+1 323-510-3330

About Useful Idiots

Useful Idiots is a feature film that explores the world of wealth and power through the eyes of Diane, a writer who reflects on her career choices. As she grapples with her perceived shortcomings, a record-breaking sale of a penthouse sparks her curiosity about its enigmatic buyer, an influential oligarch. As Diane delves into this intriguing story, she uncovers layers of corruption that entwine her and those closest to her in danger. The film presents a gripping narrative of ambition and moral questioning amid a backdrop of Manhattan’s elite, raising important questions about identity and consequence.