According to Deadline, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire star Mckenna Grace has signed on for the leading role in the upcoming psychological thriller titled Straight Lies, which is inspired by real-life events from writer Ren Trella’s teenage years.
“I am so honored to bring this compelling story to the screen,” Grace said. “After speaking with our amazing writer Ren and hearing her true story of what she endured and based the script, I knew this was going to be a heartbreaking, but necessary project to make.”
In addition to starring, Grace is also executive producing the project. The Emmy-nominated young actress is best known for her roles in films like 2017’s Gifted and 2019’s Annabelle Comes Home, as well as in shows such as 2018’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Handmaid’s Tale.
What is Straight Lies about?
“The film is set in 1990 surrounding the hysteria of the war on drugs. In the story, a teen girl falsely accused of drug use is held against her will and must escape a cult-like drug rehab that is backed by the US Government, while her covert CIA agent father becomes so lost in political influence that he is unaware of the danger his daughter is in,” reads the synopsis.
Straight Lies will be directed by Alex Kalymnios from a screenplay written by Trella. It hails from Mandalay Pictures and Valor Media Group, with David Zelon attached to serve as a producer. Production is expected to begin sometime this summer in North Carolina.