Sex, Money and Secrets: Dylan Sprouse, Barbie Ferreira and Tanner Buchanan Bring a Hamptons Thriller to the Screen

The Hamptons’ summer playground of sprawling estates, poolside parties and Manhattan money provides the backdrop for a new psychological thriller, where a suspected affair sets off a dangerous game of obsession and revenge.

Every summer, Southampton transforms into a backdrop for the ostentatious displays of the ultra-wealthy. Days are spent lounging by infinity pools, evenings involve cocktails on vast lawns, and business lunches often extend late into the night, all accompanied by the social maneuvering common among Manhattan’s affluent. However, behind the hedges and guarded entrances, not every scene is as idyllic as it seems.

Hollywood is preparing to delve into this less polished aspect of the Hamptons with “The Sleeping Dogs of Southampton,” a new psychological thriller featuring Dylan Sprouse, Barbie Ferreira, and Tanner Buchanan. Set against a summer backdrop of opulent estates, romantic entanglements, and Wall Street ambitions, the film utilizes the East End’s well-known playground of privilege as a stage for obsession, betrayal, and a potentially deadly quest for vengeance.

The film, directed by David Lipper and written by Peter James Cooper, has recently concluded its main photography. It is now being presented at the American Film Market, where Highland Film Group will be introducing the project to potential international distributors.

Sprouse plays Dorsey Grace, a cutthroat Wall Street dealmaker who is as skilled at manipulating people as he is at closing business. During a casual evening of drinks with colleagues, Dorsey recounts a past sexual encounter. This seemingly innocuous story deeply affects Henry Barrett, a driven young banker played by Buchanan. Henry begins to suspect that the woman in Dorsey’s story might actually be his own wife, Lindsay, portrayed by Ferreira.

What starts as a seed of doubt quickly grows into something far more consuming for Henry.

As Henry’s desire to uncover the truth intensifies, he finds himself drawn into the exclusive social circles of New York’s financial elite. This world unfolds across expansive Southampton estates, extravagant parties by the pool, and a meticulously crafted environment of wealth and excess. With Lindsay at the heart of this unfolding mystery, the lines between longing, disloyalty, and ambition begin to blur.

The consequences extend beyond a suspected infidelity. Henry’s pursuit of Dorsey escalates into a dangerous conflict involving corporate strategy and psychological gamesmanship, with the two men engaged in a high-stakes competition where one consistently seems to be several steps ahead.

The supporting cast includes Jack Kilmer, Rainey Qualley, Bianca Ghezzi, and Ethan Cutkosky. Their involvement adds further layers of intrigue to a narrative populated by characters navigating the complex interplay of wealth, social standing, and personal desire.

Setting, Social Life, and Accumulated Wealth

For the filmmakers, the Hamptons location offers more than just a visually appealing setting. Its unique combination of established wealth, newly acquired fortunes, the social customs of summer gatherings, and the careful maintenance of appearances creates an ideal environment for exploring the repercussions when private transgressions clash with public reputations.

The film is produced by Lipper and Robert A. Daly Jr., along with Kipp Tribble and Rick Moore. The executive producers include Kevin Weisberg, Ryan Adams, Tracey Paul, Andrew Stevens, Sean Krajewski, Andrea Bucko, Manuel Molina, Timothy Alek Mulley, and Jeff Kranzdorf.

Arianne Fraser, CEO of Highland Film Group, has described the project as a “seductively thrilling” film, highlighting its blend of glamour, power, and desire. The company’s COO, Delphine Perrier, noted that the casting of Sprouse, Ferreira, and Buchanan positions the film to attract a global audience, particularly among Gen Z viewers.

Whether the depiction of a Southampton summer on screen accurately mirrors the reality behind the exclusive gates is a separate matter. However, in a locale where reputation is a form of currency and appearances are paramount, the film’s premise feels particularly fitting.

Ultimately, in the Hamptons, the most damaging elements are not always those that are openly visible. Sometimes, they are the secrets that everyone assumes have been left undisturbed.

Ty Wenzel

Ty Wenzel is an award-winning writer, designer, and marketing professional with a career spanning fashion, publishing, media, and digital innovation. A recent breast cancer survivor, she began her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s before serving as fashion editor at Cosmopolitan Magazine. Her work has appeared in numerous national publications, including The New York Times, and she is the author of a memoir published by St. Martin’s Press. In 2020, Wenzel co-founded James Lane Post, where she covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture, and interiors. She previously served as a writer and marketing director for The Independent. Her work in journalism, social media, and design has been recognized with multiple PCLI and NYPA awards, including best website design and best magazine. Wenzel is also the founder of the Hamptons-based social media agency TWM Hamptons Social Media, where she develops high-level branding and digital strategy for luxury clients.