Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to the documentary 'Underland,' directed by Robert Petit and based on Robert Macfarlane's book. The film, narrated by Sandra Hüller and produced by Darren Aronofsky, premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. Oscilloscope plans a theatrical release in 2026.
The documentary 'Underland' explores hidden worlds beneath the Earth's surface, following explorers into ancient caves, melting glaciers, science laboratories, and abandoned mines. Featured subjects include speleo-archaeologist Fátima Tec Pool, urban explorer and geographer Bradley Garrett, and theoretical particle physicist Mariangela Lisanti, an associate professor at Princeton University.
Directed by Robert Petit, the film marks his second collaboration with author Robert Macfarlane, following their 2019 experimental film 'Upstream.' It premiered in the documentary competition section at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, where it received praise for composer Hannah Peel’s score and cinematographer Ruben Woodin Dechamps’ work.
Produced by Darren Aronofsky—known for 'Black Swan' and 'The Whale'—alongside Ari Handel, Lauren Greenwood, and Jessica Harrop, the project involves executive producers André Singer, Figs Jackman, Macfarlane, Craig Miller, Elizabeth Radshaw, Richard Wolfe, and Keith Potter. Production companies include Sandbox Films, Spring Films, Planet Octopus Studios, and Protozoa Pictures, in association with Hot Docs Partners.
Narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Sandra Hüller of 'Anatomy of a Fall,' the film adapts Macfarlane's book of the same name. Director Petit expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Most of my favorite films in the world were released by Oscilloscope—movies that (by proxy) are in the DNA of ‘Underland’ itself. I’m honored that this film will sit alongside them in the Oscilloscope catalogue, and I can’t think of better people to shepherd the project as it goes out to meet the world. I love everything Oscilloscope Laboratories stand for and everything they do to keep flying the flag for independent movie making.”
Aaron Katz, vice president of acquisitions at Oscilloscope Laboratories, commented: “Given the state of the world, like many people, I have buried my head in the sand. So imagine my refreshment when I saw how exciting and beautiful things can be under the surface. The film is a feast for your senses that will swirl your curiosity and open your eyes to both our history and future, all by peeking below ground.”
Jessica Harrop, executive director of Sandbox Films and a producer, added: “Sandbox Films is committed to supporting science stories meant for cinemas, and thrilled to have Oscilloscope bring the film to the big screen. This film is an immersive voyage underground that leaves you blinking in the light as you surface from the theater.”
Oscilloscope Laboratories, known for releasing indie films such as 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' 'Meek’s Cutoff,' and 'Shortbus,' will handle the North American theatrical distribution.