logo
FilmNation Boards Tomas Alfredson's Psychodrama ‘Séance on a Wet Afternoon' Starring Rachel Weisz, Penned by ‘Adolescence' Writer Jack Thorne (EXCLUSIVE)

FilmNation Boards Tomas Alfredson's Psychodrama ‘Séance on a Wet Afternoon' Starring Rachel Weisz, Penned by ‘Adolescence' Writer Jack Thorne (EXCLUSIVE)

Yahoo06-05-2025

Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
Tomas Alfredson's anticipated psychodrama 'Séance on a Wet Afternoon,' starring Oscar winner Rachel Weisz ('The Favourite'), has been boarded by FilmNation ahead of the Cannes Film Market. Domestic rights are being repped by UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.
Penned by 'Adolescence' writer Jack Thorne, 'Séance on a Wet Afternoon' is based on Mark McShane's bestselling 1961 suspense novel of the same name. Weisz will star as Myra, a self-proclaimed medium who convinces her husband Billy to kidnap the son of a wealthy family so she can lead the police to the 'missing' child and legitimize her psychic abilities. When Myra's true intentions come to light, however, Billy realizes her plan threatens to consume them both.
More from Variety
The novel was previously adapted into a critically acclaimed 1964 film starring Richard Attenborough and Kim Stanley, who earned a best actress Oscar nomination for her performance.
Alfredson, who is best known for directing the BAFTA-winning 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' and the cult Swedish genre film 'Let the Right One In,' said in a statement: 'I'm drawn to complex characters, and Jack Thorne's edge-of-your-seat script blends psychologically deep characters with unnerving twists and turns. With Rachel Weisz at the core of this project, both producing and starring as Myra, the film is sure to be powerful and unnerving. It is a haunting exploration of desperation and the fragile line between reality and delusion.'
'Séance on a Wet Afternoon' will be produced by Robyn Slovo; Astral Projection's Polly Stokes and Rachel Weisz; and Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures (a Fremantle company), whose credits include Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Poor Things.'
The project is a part of the first-look and development deal that Astral Projection, the banner set up by Weisz and Stokes ('American Honey,' 'Wild Rose'), signed with Fremantle last year.
Alfredson is repped by UTA. Weisz is repped by Independent, CAA, Linden Entertainment, ID PR and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman. Thorne is repped by UTA and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern.
Weisz is also currently preparing to exec produce and play the lead role in Netflix's limited series 'Vladimir,' based on the novel by Julia May Jonas, about a woman who becomes obsessed with her captivating new colleague.
FilmNation's Cannes market slate also includes Olivia Wilde's next movie 'The Invite,' in which she will star alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Doechii Calls Out Donald Trump's "Ruthless" Immigration Policies in BET Awards Speech
Doechii Calls Out Donald Trump's "Ruthless" Immigration Policies in BET Awards Speech

Yahoo

time23 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Doechii Calls Out Donald Trump's "Ruthless" Immigration Policies in BET Awards Speech

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Doechii used her BET Awards acceptance speech to call out President Donald Trump and his aggressive immigration policies, those which have led to massive protests across the country, and particularly in Los Angeles. Last night at the BET Awards in L.A., the 'Denial Is a River' rapper—dressed in a bright-red Miu Miu set—took home the prize for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. After noting how 'honored' she was for the recognition, she pivoted to 'address what's happening right now outside of the building.' Just down the street from the award show, protestors had shut down streets to stand up against the Trump administration's immigration raids, mass deportations, and ongoing attack on migrants. In response to the uproar, Trump called in the National Guard—2,000 of them. 'There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,' Doechii said. 'Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y'all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.' 'What type of government is that?' she asked. Los Angeles's population is famously varied due to its close proximity to Mexico. According to the 2024 U.S. Census, 33 percent of Angelenos were born outside of the United States. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for Trump to halt the raids in the city. 'I can't emphasize enough the level of fear and terror that is in Angelenos right now, not knowing if tomorrow or tonight it might be where they live, it might be their workplace, should you send your kids to school, should you go to work,' she said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, meanwhile, is suing the Trump administration for its 'illegal takeover' of the California National Guard, which the Democratic leader notes has 'escalated chaos and violence in L.A.' You Might Also Like 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine

Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa Just Celebrated a MAJOR Relationship Milestone
Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa Just Celebrated a MAJOR Relationship Milestone

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa Just Celebrated a MAJOR Relationship Milestone

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa are celebrating a fun milestone—and, no, it's not an addition to their blended family. And, no, it's also not yet another show on HGTV. Rather, the design duo just went on their very first work their parents. Over the weekend, the Selling Sunset alum posted a sweet reel documenting a business trip to Las Vegas with both her and Tarek's parents. The video showed clips of the entire fun-filled getaway: From boarding the plane, to watching Tarek at a speaking engagement, to taking full advantage of the city's lively entertainment and food scenes. And, in true high-roller fashion, there were many toasts over cocktails and wine. "Not our average Vegas trip," Heather Rae wrote on her post. "We got to show them a glimpse behind the scenes — our world, our work, and of course, the glam." The Flipping El Moussa star said bringing both families along made a typical work trip "extra special." Whether they're sharing glimpses of life with their kids or co-parenting with Christina Haack, Tarek and Heather Rae are all about family time, and the couple's many followers love to see it. "Love how close you are with your families," one fan wrote. "You can really see the love and support. Such a blessing!" "Family first," another wrote. "Y'all are the best!!" Even Haack commented, "So fun." Turns out, the El Moussas and Haack aren't the only ones who can navigate a modern family. Throughout the reel, Heather Rae and Tarek's parents were seen laughing and having lots of fun together, making a strong case for the integration of the two families. Some people say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas; however, this impromptu family vacation was too much fun to keep to themselves. Viva Las Vegas! Follow on Instagram and TikTok. You Might Also Like 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room

Mel Gibson is rebuilding the palatial Malibu estate that burned down in the LA wildfires
Mel Gibson is rebuilding the palatial Malibu estate that burned down in the LA wildfires

New York Post

time2 hours ago

  • New York Post

Mel Gibson is rebuilding the palatial Malibu estate that burned down in the LA wildfires

In the wake of the catastrophic January wildfires that scorched Southern California, claiming 29 lives and $385 billion in damages, actor and director Mel Gibson is undertaking a significant reconstruction effort on his Malibu estate. The 69-year-old Oscar winner's 5.4-acre property, originally acquired for $11.5 million in 2008, was reduced to ashes in the blazes that destroyed more than 12,000 structures across the region. The sprawling hilltop residence — once a showcase of rustic elegance with five bedrooms, five bathrooms — and sweeping Pacific Ocean views is rising anew as Gibson opts to rebuild rather than sell. That's a choice that sets him apart from many neighbors in this affluent enclave, according to the Daily Mail. Aerial images show the progress that Gibson has already made. 6 Gibson purchasedthe estate for $11.5 million in 2008. AMNESTY FOR BRASIL. / BACKGRID 6 Video footage from News Nation showing the destruction of Gibson's home. 6 Gibson, worth $425 million, has cleared the 5.4-acre hilltop site, with new foundations and paving laid for reconstruction, new aerial photos reveal. Alex Lima / BACKGRID The fires, among the costliest natural disasters in US history, obliterated entire neighborhoods of multimillion-dollar homes. Gibson, whose net worth is estimated at $425 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, was recording a podcast with Joe Rogan when he learned his home was in peril. Previous 1 of 10 Next Advertisement The former two-story great room. MEGA The home is situated on over 5 acres. MEGA Advertisement The outdoor lounge space. MEGA An office. MEGA The home occupied over 6,500 square feet. MEGA Advertisement The home stood on expansive grounds. MEGA A living space. MEGA Advertisement He rushed back with his son, salvaging only passports and a handful of documents. 'These are things and they may or may not be replaceable but we're still here and I just kind of look at it in a weird kind of a way like a purification,' Gibson told Fox News host Laura Ingraham, reflecting on the loss of irreplaceable items, including 16th-century books and valuable artworks. The recent aerial images reveal progress at the site: debris has been cleared, foundations are taking shape and new paving surrounds the construction zone, including the former pool house area, to facilitate rebuilding. 6 Unlike many neighbors who chose to sell their damaged properties, Gibson is moving forward with the rebuild, despite losing priceless artworks and 16th-century books in the fire. Alex Lima / BACKGRID 6 He learned of the destruction while recording with Joe Rogan and managed to save only passports and a few documents, later describing the loss to Fox News as a 'purification.' AMNESTY FOR BRASIL. / BACKGRID 6 Remains of the house and a charred car are seen on the grounds of Gibson's Malibu property. Alex Lima / BACKGRID The original estate, marketed in 2019 for $14.49 million before Gibson withdrew the listing, featured soaring ceilings with exposed beams, large windows, a separate guest house, a gym and an outdoor dining area nestled amid lush greenery. Occupying over 6,500 square feet, the home also boasted a two-story living room and two ocean-view pools, including a lap pool, the former listing noted.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store