Matthew McConaughey & Emile Hirsch in Killer Joe

This marks the second time William Friedkin and Tracy Letts have collaborated together, the first time being for the 2006 film, BUG (both films were adapted from Letts’ stage plays by the same name). BUG won the FIPRESCI prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.

When 22 year old drug dealer Chris (Hirsch) has his stash stolen by his mother, he has to come up with six thousand dollars quick or he’s dead. Desperate, he turns to “Killer Joe” (McConaughey) when he finds out that his mother’s life insurance policy is worth $50,000. Although Joe usually demands cash up front, he finds himself willing to bend the rules in exchange for Chris’ attractive younger sister, Dottie (Temple), who will serve as sexual collateral until the money comes in…if it ever does.

KILLER JOE is making its worldwide premiere at the Venice Film Festival before making its North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.