Fox Searchlight snaps up "Adam"

By Steven Zeitchik and Jay A. Fernandez

PARK CITY, Utah (Hollywood Reporter) - Fox Searchlight has acquired worldwide rights to the romantic tale "Adam," marking the first sale of a film to a studio specialty division at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

The movie centers on a relationship between two young New Yorkers, played by Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne. Dancy in particular has earned raves for his turn as a man afflicted with Asperger syndrome.

The film charmed a host of acquisitions executives at its premiere.

First-timer Max Mayer wrote and directed "Adam." Despite having very little buzz coming into the festival, the film has the potential to become a sleeper story of this year's Sundance, along the lines of "Once," the Irish musical romance that became a hit for Fox Searchlight in 2007.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter