Chris Sullivan and Jeremy Holm Star in Thriller 'Tessellation' as Illinois Production Begins

Production Underway in Illinois

Production is officially underway in Illinois for the upcoming thriller Tessellation, with Emmy-nominated This Is Us star Chris Sullivan joining Jeremy Holm. Cameras are rolling at Flyover Film Studios in Central Illinois for the feature directorial debut of screenwriter Michael Moreci.

The narrative centers on a disgraced puzzle champion and CIA codebreaker named Anton, played by Holm. Anton is pulled into an intricate conspiracy that forces him to confront an unresolved personal tragedy: the unexplained death of his wife. The supporting cast includes Stephen Louis Grush and Winter Williams.

Creative Vision and Themes

Director Michael Moreci stated that the project reflects contemporary anxieties surrounding truth and verification. He cited classic cinema traditions focused on paranoia and distrust, pointing to films such as The Conversation, Blow Out, and The Parallax View as key influences.

Moreci brings a diverse background to the director's chair, having gained industry recognition for his work across comics, television, and film. His comic series Barric has sold over one million copies and is currently in development as a Netflix series, while his previous screenwriting credits include the Shudder horror film Revealer and Revival for Syfy/Peacock.

Production and Distribution Context

Tessellation is produced by Robert Patrick Stern, Kevin Lau, Michael Moreci, and Stephen Mastrocola in association with Static Films. Executive producers include Damian Wassel, Jen Shelby, Rhett Bruno, and Steven Beaulieu of Aethon Books, with Stephanie Slife serving as line producer.

Producer Stephen Mastrocola noted that Static Films aims to support emerging artists, drawing conceptual inspiration from the early low-budget debuts of filmmakers like Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky. Producers plan to discuss the film with buyers at the upcoming American Film Market (AFM).

Practical Implications and Reader Verification

For readers tracking independent cinema and upcoming theatrical releases, production milestones indicate the project is moving forward toward its anticipated distribution timeline.

• Confirmed Details: Principal photography has begun at Flyover Film Studios in Illinois. The cast includes Jeremy Holm, Chris Sullivan, Stephen Louis Grush, and Winter Williams. Michael Moreci is directing from his own screenplay.
• Uncertainties: Specific release dates beyond a broad projection for next year have not been detailed, and final distribution deals are subject to ongoing negotiations at AFM.
• How to Verify: Readers can review the original reporting and official announcements directly through the source publication at [Deadline](https://deadline.com/2026/10/chris-sullivan-jeremy-holm-tessellation-filming-illinois-1237208132/).