‘Seneca’ Starring John Malkovich Acquired by Freestyle Digital Media

Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to the historical drama Seneca, starring John Malkovich. Seneca, also featuring Geraldine Chaplin and Tom Xander, will be available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms, as well as on DVD, starting April 8th, 2025.

The year is 65 AD in Rome. The philosopher Seneca has been Emperor Nero’s mentor and close advisor since childhood and has been significantly involved in his ascent. Nevertheless, Nero grows weary of Seneca and uses a foiled attack on his life to falsely accuse him of being an accomplice. Whilst throwing a decadent party at his farmhouse, Seneca receives his surprising death sentence from Emperor Nero, delivered by a messenger. He must be dead by morning. This last night becomes his final test: Who is he really? An opportunist, hypocrite, and collaborator? Or, according to his self-image, a morally upright, wise man able to look death in the face without fear? The script is based on historical sources and Seneca’s original texts.

Directed by Robert Schwentke and co-written by Schwentke and Matthew David Wilder, Seneca was produced by Frieder Schlaich and Irene von Alberti. The cast features John Malkovich (‘Seneca’), Tom Xander (‘Nero’), Geraldine Chaplin (‘Cecelia’), Mary-Louise Parker (‘Agrippina’), and the late Julian Sands (‘Rufus’).

‘Seneca’ starring John Malkovich movie still

‘Seneca’ starring John Malkovich movie still

Filmmaker Robert Schwentke comments:

“Seneca is an exercise in high camp. The anachronistically told tale of a philosopher and lifestyle coach who helps the tyrant Nero to gain legitimacy in exchange for immeasurable wealth. It is a tragic farce about a man’s unsuccessful attempt to attain immortality through language and ideas to prove with his end: he didn’t just talk the talk, but he walked the walk.”

Freestyle Digital Media negotiated the deal to acquire the film directly with the filmmakers and Picture Tree International GmbH.

‘Seneca’ starring John Malkovich movie artwork