One of the most terrifying prospects in life for any public personality is fading into obscurity. But for actor Steve Coogan‘s radio host in the upcoming political drama, ‘Hot Air,’ fear of losing his recognition from his listeners is suddenly and unexpectedly being replaced by conflict amongst his estranged family. That tension is being highlighted in the new film, which is set to be distributed in theaters and on VOD next Friday, August 23 by Freestyle Releasing. In honor of the movie’s distribution, ShockYa is premiering an exclusive clip from the feature, which is titled ‘The Contract.’
‘Hot Air’ was written by Will Reichel, and directed by Frank Coracai. In addition to Coogan, the drama also stars Taylor Russell, Neve Campbell, Griffin Newman, Pico Alexander, Tina Benko, Lawrence Gilliard, Judith Light and Skylar Astin. Coraci, Reichel and Coogan all also served as producers on the filme.
Freestyle Releasing has released the following synopsis for ‘Hot Air’:
For 20 years, Lionel Macomb (Coogan) has been the reigning king of conservative talk radio, delighting his fans and enraging his opponents with his angry charisma and caustic wit. Lionel spends his days ranting about hot button issues from health care to immigration, shaping the shouted debates of a divided nation, and millions listen.
Now Lionel is at a crossroads. He seems bent on sabotaging his relationship with Valerie Gannon (Campbell). He’s also in a ratings war with his former protégé, Gareth Whitley (Astin), who has rebranded himself as the kinder, gentler voice of the right wing. He’s embroiled in a public spat with powerful senator Judith Montefiore-Salters (Light), as well. He’s most in danger, however, of fading into irrelevance.
When Lionel’s 16-year-old niece, Tess (Russell), shows up, seeking his help with a family crisis, Lionel must confront the complicated family he’s long since left behind. In Tess, Lionel has finally met his match: a smart, determined, brazenly honest sparring partner. Tess is facing her own dilemma, a stark choice between supporting her troubled mother, Laurie (Benko)m or embarking on a life changing opportunity she’s worked so hard to earn. As this unexpected bond develops, and his career crisis reaches a breaking point, Lionel must decide whether to rethink the power of his words and his legacy. Will he open himself up to a new kind of responsibility and connection? Or will he stay his fiery course, burning anyone who gets too close?
ShockYa is premiering an exclusive clip from director Frank Coraci's political drama, 'Hot Air,' which stars Steve Coogan, Neve Campbell and Taylor Russell.