Apple Original Films is adding another suspense-filled story to its lineup with The Flick, a survival thriller about a burned-out air traffic controller and a desperate passenger at 30,000 feet.
The movie follows Sonny Braden, an exhausted controller who gets an urgent call from a plane in trouble. The pilot has lost consciousness, leaving a pregnant passenger to take control. With a storm approaching and fuel running out, Braden must guide her through an emergency landing.
The story mixes heart-pounding tension with emotional depth. It explores themes of control, connection, and human endurance under pressure.
Apple Teams Up with Chernin Entertainment
The Flick will be produced by Peter Chernin and David Ready under Chernin Entertainment and The North Road Company. Writer Matt Hickey, who penned the original short story, will also serve as a producer.
The film marks another strong collaboration between Apple and Chernin Entertainment, the team behind projects like Chief of War and See. This partnership highlights Apple’s growing focus on cinematic storytelling backed by trusted creative partners.
From Podcasts to the Big Screen
Matt Hickey previously created the Apple Original podcast Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story. His move into film underscores Apple’s expanding media strategy — blending its podcast, TV, and movie divisions into one creative network.
The story was developed with Will Malnati’s At Will Media, though a screenwriter has not yet been announced. Apple reportedly secured the rights before recent discussions spotlighted the high-stress world of air traffic control.
A Promising Addition to Apple’s Film Slate
With The Flick, Apple continues to grow its slate of original films that balance emotional storytelling and gripping drama. The project promises to deliver suspense, humanity, and cinematic thrills — all unfolding in the skies.
