A Corpse Instead of a Work of Art: Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega Present 'The Gallerist'

The action of the film takes place in Miami, where ambitious gallery owner Polina Polinski (Natalie Portman) tries to restore her financial situation and reputation after a difficult divorce. She hopes to succeed at the prestigious contemporary art fair Art Basel, but events take a completely unexpected turn. During the preparation for the exhibition, influential art blogger Dalton, played by Zach Galifianakis, accidentally dies by impaling himself on a sculpture. Instead of reporting the incident to the police, Polina and her assistant Kiki (Jenna Ortega) decide to pass the body off as an unusual art exhibit. Visitors mistake the corpse for a provocative installation, and collectors' interest in the piece rapidly grows. Soon, the crazy scheme turns into a dangerous adventure, making it increasingly difficult for the participants to hide the truth. The film is directed by and co-written by Cathy Yan, known for 'Birds of Prey: The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn.' In addition to Portman and Ortega, the cast includes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Daniel Brühl, Sterling K. Brown, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and singer Charli XCX. 'The Gallerist' satirizes the morals of the contemporary art market, where the value of a piece is often determined not by its artistic merits, but by its scandalous notoriety and the willingness of wealthy collectors to pay for a sensation. The world premiere of the film took place in January 2026 at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is now preparing for a wide release.