‘Next Exit’ Teaser: Mali Elfman’s First Feature Set For Tribeca Bow

EXCLUSIVE: Deadline has the first teaser for Mali Elfman’s feature directorial debut, Next Exit—a darkly humorous ghost story, which is making its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10.

In the genre-bender written and directed by Elfman, a research scientist makes national news by proving she can track people into the afterlife. It’s at this juncture that Rose (Katie Parker) sees a way out, and Teddy (Rahul Kohli) sees his chance to finally make it. These two strangers, both harboring dark secrets, race to join the doctor’s contentious study and leave this life behind. While Rose is haunted by a ghostly presence that she can’t outrun, Teddy is forced to confront his past. As these two misfits humorously quarrel their way across the country, they meet people who force them to reckon with what is really driving them.

Next Exit also stars Rose McIver, Tongayi Chirisa, Tim Griffin, Diva Zappa, Nico Evers-Swindell and Karen Gillan. Derek Bishé, Narineh Hacopian, Lindsay Helms and Joel Nevells produced the pic, with Helms and Nevells also serving as exec producers. Lena Mesiano was the film’s co-producer. XYZ Films is repping the film for sales at Tribeca.

“I started writing this film nearly 10 years ago and everytime something bad happened in my life, I would come back to it. It became my light in the dark,” Elfman told Deadline. “I still can’t believe any of this is real and am so grateful to all those involved who helped me turn my nightmares into a dream come true. I am so excited for this fun, odd, dark ghost story to finally come to life for others at Tribeca!”

The daughter of legendary composer Danny Elfman, Mali Elfman is a BAFTA Award nominee who has previously written and directed four shorts. Her latest, Locker Room Z, was released on Amazon, and in Alamo Drafthouse theaters. Elfman has also produced numerous features, including Karen Gillan’s The Party’s Just Beginning and Mike Flanagan’s Before I Wake.

Watch the teaser for her debut feature above.