The Gallerist (film)

The Gallerist (film)

The Gallerist is a 2026 American dark comedy thriller film directed by Cathy Yan and starring Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Premise

The Gallerist (film)

Preparing for her Art Basel premiere, gallerist Polina Polinski hosts an early look for art influencer Dalton Hardberry to review emerging artist Stella Burgess. Dalton rains hate on Polina, Stella, and the entire gallery until he encounters the centerpiece — a large-scale sculpture entitled "The Emasculator". The "hyperrealist work" goes viral, attracting legendary dealer Marianne Gorman, who revs up the ruthless machine of the art world.

Cast

The Gallerist (film)

• Natalie Portman as Polina Polinski, an uptight Miami gallerist and recent divorcée • Jenna Ortega as Kiki Gorman, Polina's assistant • Sterling K. Brown as Tom, a canned tuna tycoon and Polina's ex-husband • Zach Galifianakis as Dalton Hardberry, a social media influencer • Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Stella Burgess, an up-and-coming artist • Catherine Zeta-Jones as Marianne Gorman, an art curator and Kiki's aunt • Daniel Brühl as a wannabe art collector • Charli XCX as Dalton's girlfriend • Youssef Kerkour • Ash Sarohia

Production

The Gallerist (film)

In October 2024, Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega were set to star in The Gallerist, co-written and directed by Cathy Yan. In December, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Daniel Brühl, Charli XCX, and Catherine Zeta-Jones joined the cast. The film was financed by MRC.

Principal photography began on December 18, 2024 and wrapped on February 6, 2025.

Release

The Gallerist (film)

Cast and crew at the Q&A after The Gallerist Premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival

The Gallerist premiered at the Eccles Theater as part of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, followed by a theatrical release later in the year.

Reception

The Gallerist (film)

Reviews were mixed. Vanity Fair described it as playful satire. The Hollywood Reporter called the film "clumsy and inert on screen." Variety described it "intermittently clever." The Guardian called it "a major stumble."