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Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- General
- Tatler Asia
How to build an apocalypse-ready home: 5 essential design strategies for disaster resilience
Above Jackson, Wyoming in 'The Last of Us' is a self-sufficient commune years in the making, and resilient of disasters (Photo: HBO Max) Even more immediate is the climate catastrophe already happening and accelerating. With 2023 and 2024 recorded as the hottest years globally, Earth has crossed the 1.5 degree celsius warming threshold earlier than expected, with projections suggesting 2 degree celsius warming by century's end remains likely if current emission trends continue. Don't miss: Why is it important to build homes that withstand climate change? As climate stress intensifies, the risk of civil unrest is expected to rise in the most affected regions with economic inequality, political instability, resource scarcity, and social grievances serve as catalysts for such disruption. Recent years have witnessed increased protests and unrest globally, linked to economic pressures and environmental crises. While context-dependent, civil unrest represents a plausible consequence of worsening global crises. If you're prepared for a zombie plague, you're prepared for most natural disasters. - Max Brooks, author of 'The Zombie Survival Guide' and 'World War Z' - Though we cannot predict how, when, or if an apocalypse might occur, we can certainly prepare to withstand extreme, long-term disruptions to modern infrastructure–whether from natural disasters, war, societal collapse, or other worst-case scenarios. Read more: World Humanitarian Day: These inspiring organisations address the needs of vulnerable Asian communities Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the foundation for self-sufficient living that incorporates technologies and design principles to guard against uncertain futures–one that many industries have already implemented, offering parallels we can draw upon. Through prudent planning, we can start laying the groundwork for modern apocalypse-ready homes that withstand an increasingly unpredictable world. Location strategy Above High-density cities may offer superior access to supplies but pose significant risks (Photo: Unsplash) Above Major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages (Photo: Unsplash) While high-density cities offer superior access to supplies, they pose significant risks. This became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when major urban centres experienced rapid virus transmission and supply shortages due to population density, whilst rural and highland areas suffered fewer cases and less disruption. See also: Cover Story: Professor Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman weighs in on drug policy reform, higher education and overcoming challenges The World Bank notes that 'urban areas offer greater access to healthcare, supplies, and infrastructure, but higher population density increases vulnerability to contagion, social unrest, and supply chain disruptions.' According to the organisation, urban population expected to exceed 6.8 billion by 2050, these vulnerabilities will only intensify. Conversely, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) observes that 'rural and highland areas offer lower population density, greater food security through agriculture, and easier perimeter control, making them more resilient to crises.' Above A waterfront home built on stilts in Jakarta, Indonesia by K-Thengono Design Studio (Photo: Mario Wibowo) Location choice extends beyond urban versus rural considerations to encompass terrain and elevation factors. Selecting land above floodplain elevation and away from coastal areas proves vital for reducing flood and storm surge risks. This principle becomes especially critical as climate change increases extreme weather frequency. Don't miss: Home tour: A waterfront home in Jakarta built on stilts to mitigate land sinking Properties on or near unstable slopes present particular hazards, with landslide risks intensifying during monsoon seasons. However, traditional Southeast Asian architecture offers proven solutions for flood-prone zones. Raising homes on stilts or elevated platforms–as embodied in vernacular architecture across Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines–provides effective protection against seasonal floods and storm surges, representing centuries of refined wisdom in tropical resilience design. Resilient architecture Above The bahay kubo in the Philippines flourishes in tropical, often isolated environments () Drawing from both time-tested wisdom and contemporary innovation, the shift towards sustainably built homes represents a promising trajectory for structures designed to thrive amid climate change. Southeast Asian vernacular architecture provides invaluable insights for resilient, sustainable construction. Read more: How architect Andra Matin's unconventional designs are reshaping Indonesia's built environment Traditional homes such as the bahay kubo in the Philippines and rumah adat in Indonesia have evolved over centuries to flourish in tropical, often isolated environments. These structures incorporate flood resilience through elevated stilts and natural ventilation whilst utilising locally sourced materials–principles that remain remarkably relevant today. Above Brick is robust and low-maintenance, suitable for tropical climates (Photo: Lin Ho) Above Exposed concrete walls at Vista House by Hier Architects (Photo: Fabian Ong) Meanwhile, Tropical Brutalism–a fusion of raw concrete and tropical design principles–is gaining recognition for its durability and climate responsiveness. This approach features the exposed concrete, brick, and steel characteristic of traditional Brutalist structures, but adapts these robust, low-maintenance materials specifically for tropical climates prone to humidity, storms, and heat. See also: 7 stunning Brutalist homes redefining Southeast Asian architecture Concrete's thermal mass regulates indoor temperatures by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, whilst simultaneously providing structural durability against natural disasters and security threats. Both concrete and brick offer the dual benefits of wide availability and weather resistance–crucial considerations for long-term resilience. Above IDCandy's project features vent blocks to facilitate airflow and provide privacy (Photo: The Space Storyteller) Above An open, light-filled home by Tangu Architecture allow cross-ventilation (Photo: Tang Hsiao Seak and Steven Ngu) Above A home designed by Futurground with generous overhangs (Photo: Ameen Deen) Above Distinctive brise-soleil louvres at Kemaris House by DRTAN LM Architect (Photo: Lin Ho) Furthermore, effective tropical design prioritises natural climate control through cross-ventilation, which reduces indoor temperatures naturally and minimises air conditioning requirements. Architectural elements such as overhangs and louvres provide essential shade whilst promoting airflow, creating comfortable interior environments without energy-intensive cooling systems. Don't miss: 15 best green homes in Malaysia Additionally, reinforcing windows and doors with steel bars or rebar mesh protects against both break-ins and debris impact during extreme weather events. In typhoon-prone regions, storm shutters serve as essential protection, shielding windows from flying debris whilst reducing structural damage. Self-sufficient energy and water Above When electricity grids fail, they trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure (Photo: Pexels) Power and water supplies rank among the first essential services to fail during large-scale disasters or infrastructure collapse. In crisis scenarios–whether triggered by natural disasters, civil unrest, or infrastructure failure–electricity grids prove highly vulnerable, and, when they fail, trigger cascading failures across other critical infrastructure. Read more: The future of architecture: 5 sustainable buildings changing the skyline Water supply systems, critically dependent on electricity for pumping, treatment, and distribution, typically cease functioning within hours or days. Water pressure drops, pumps fail, and treatment facilities can no longer purify or deliver water, creating profound impacts on health, sanitation, and survival. Above Solar panels provide reliable, renewable energy (Photo: Unsplash) Above Manual hand pumps provide access to water sources (Photo: Pexels) The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recommends that 'a robust off-grid solar setup with lithium-ion battery banks, such as the Tesla Powerwall, provides reliable, renewable energy whilst reducing dependence on unstable grids.' Furthermore, solar systems prove particularly viable in Southeast Asia's sun-rich environment, offering year-round energy generation potential. See also: Hypermarket chain TF Value Mart partners Plus Xnergy as part of its carbon-neutral strategy Layered backup systems should be in place as well. Diesel or propane dual-fuel generators provide secondary power sources, whilst manual hand-crank or pedal generators serve as tertiary options for essential devices during extended outages. For rural properties, the FAO advocates biogas systems as sustainable energy solutions. Kitchen waste or animal manure can generate cooking fuel, reducing reliance on external supply chains whilst managing organic waste effectively. Photo 1 of 2 Collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies (Photo: Pexels) Photo 2 of 2 Properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures (Photo: Pexels) Rainwater harvesting represents a particularly suitable water strategy for tropical climates with abundant precipitation. Modular collection tanks combined with UV filters or ceramic drip filters ensure reliable potable water supplies independent of municipal systems. Don't miss: Home tour: A tropical courtyard bungalow designed to be a family oasis in Malaysia Also, properties with access to groundwater benefit from additional security measures, offering enhanced reliability during extended infrastructure disruptions. Deep wells equipped with manual hand pumps, properly secured from contamination, provide redundant water sources when integrated with rainwater harvesting systems. Food independence Above Supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption (Photo: Unsplash) In cities, supermarket shelves can empty within hours to days after a major disruption due to panic buying, supply chain breakdowns, or infrastructure collapse. Most households maintain only a few days' to a week's worth of food on hand, and in the absence of resupply, many families will face shortages within the first week. Read more: Climate change is threatening Malaysia's food security—here's how we can mitigate it Above Canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Above Sacks of grains are also a popular go-to for emergency food storage (Photo: Pexels) Freeze-dried meals, grains, and canned goods form the backbone of emergency food storage. For these supplies, spare rooms or basements can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space, modular shelving, and proper labeling to improve accessibility and inventory management. See also: 10 iconic home brands that became household names Other options include cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management; while traditional root cellars or underground pantries provide natural temperature regulation and humidity control, extending the shelf life of vegetables and perishables without electricity. Above Spare rooms can be converted into dry pantries with efficient use of vertical space and modular shelving (Photo: Pexels) Above Cold storage rooms equipped with insulation, temperature control, and humidity management (Photo: Pexels) However, experts estimate that most people would find it nearly impossible to stockpile enough food for more than a few months. In case of long-term crises, storing years' worth of food for a family of four would require significant space and cost, making it impractical for most households. While meticulous food rationing can extend supplies, innovative food production becomes essential for long-term survival if agriculture is disrupted for years. Don't miss: Qarbotech co-founder Chor Chee Hoe is on a mission to revolutionise agriculture and face down world hunger Above Hydroponics maximises space usage while supplementing food production (Photo: Pexels) Above Stamba Hotel in Georgia houses the country's first vertical farm, Space Farm (Photo: Design Hotels) Vertical gardening using soilless cultivation methods like aeroponics or hydroponics maximises space usage. These techniques are increasingly adopted in urban or flood-prone areas with limited land to supplement food production. 'Small rooftop gardens or greenhouses provide year-round fresh produce, [particularly herbs and leafy greens,] improving food security and microclimate cooling,' notes the FAO. Read more: 5 design and sustainably-led hotels around the world ScienceDirect experts add that aquaponics–with low-maintenance protein sources like tilapia or catfish–creates a symbiotic system when combined with soilless plant cultivation; maximising water and nutrient efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Above Potatoes are perennial crops excellent for sustainable food security (Photo: Unsplash) Above Bananas are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates (Photo: Pexels) For homes with more extensive acreage, the FAO suggests planting perennial crops like bananas, moringa, cassava, sweet potato, taro, and lemongrass. 'They are fast-growing, nutrient-dense, and well-suited to tropical climates, making them excellent choices for sustainable food security,' the specialised United Nations agency explains. See also: These farmers grow your food, but can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that Home security and safety Above Tall hedges provide privacy for SLS Properties Inc's Villa La Maida project in Los Angeles (Photo: Todd Goodman / LA Light) Natural fencing is usually constructed around a property's perimeter to maintain privacy while offering a lush view from inside homes. This landscaping approach also provides stealth security that blends with the landscape and building design, enhancing resilience and reducing risk compared to overtly fortified structures that attract unwanted attention. 'Using dense, thorny plants such as bougainvillea or bamboo alongside fencing creates a natural, low-maintenance barrier that discourages intrusion without drawing attention,' according to experts from Landscape Architecture Magazine . Don't miss: Home tour: A Mediterranean-inspired home that brings a piece of Tuscany to Los Angeles Above Solar-powered surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security (Photo: Pexels) Above Geese make excellent natural alert systems due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour (Photo: Pexels) Additionally, modern residential security design can be integrated to buff up the home's security. Solar-powered motion sensor lights and surveillance cameras provide sustainable, low-maintenance perimeter security, triggering real-time alerts and deterring intruders effectively. Read more: Kamarul Muhamed of Aerodyne on his journey with drone technology In fact, low-tech tripwire alarms such as bells or cans can be equally effective in providing simple but reliable perimeter alerts in rural or low-power settings; while dogs and geese, according to the Journal of Animal Behavior , serve as excellent natural alert systems, functioning as noisy sentinels due to their keen senses and territorial behaviour. Above Frightened Jackson citizens hiding in basement shelters in 'The Last of Us' (Photo: HBO Max) Finally, when intrusions, severe weather, or other emergencies occur, fortified spaces stocked with essentials allow homeowners to shelter safely until the threat passes. 'Safe rooms should be located away from windows and accessible from multiple points,' advises Architecture Lab . 'Typical sizes range around ten by ten feet with eight to nine-foot ceiling heights for optimal comfort and functionality.' See also: Home tour: A colour coordinated holiday home in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts Design criteria for safe rooms–including panic rooms, crawlspaces, basement shelters, and bunkers–established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) require reinforced concrete walls with steel rebar or prestressed panels, and impact-resistant doors must meet ICC 500 standards for tornado and hurricane resistance. Secure ventilation systems should be integrated to prevent debris and water ingress, with emergency power, typically provided by generators or battery units, maintaining lighting and ventilation during outages. Above Safe rooms should be stocked with communication devices, including battery-operated radios and satellite phones (Photo: Pexels)
Sunday Post
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday Post
Rich history of Valletta makes it a go-to spot for Hollywood's finest
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up The 16th-Century streets of Valletta glow golden in the late afternoon sunshine. The only soundtrack is a background hum of tourists strolling past weathered mansions which once housed crusader knights, or relaxing with a drink outside one of the dozens of cafes. It's difficult to imagine vengeful dinosaurs rampaging through this historic city, but anyone who watched Jurassic World: Dominion will recognise St George's Square as one of the locations where a pack of atrociraptors chased Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard along the streets and alleys of the Maltese capital. © Supplied by Finn Partners And with parts of the newest movie in the franchise, Jurassic World: Rebirth, filmed on the island's coast and at the studios in Kalkara, Malta is back on the big screen once again this summer. It's all in a day's work for Malta, though. This little island might be small – Malta, plus sister islands Gozo and Comino cover just 122 square miles combined, not much more than the Greater Glasgow area – but they've stood in for Jerusalem, Rome and Greece, and played host to gladiators and zombies as well as dinosaurs. So while Malta might be best-known for its year-round sun, great diving and laid-back atmosphere, you don't have to venture far to discover a scene you'll recognise from the silver screen. In the north of the island, the colourful film set used for the 1980 Robin Williams film Popeye has even been turned into a fun park called Popeye Village, where you can pose with Olive Oyl and Bluto, before starring in your own short film. Meanwhile, Valletta's dinosaur-infested square is actually the site of the Grand Master's Palace, once the lavish home of the commander of the Knights of St John, now a tourist attraction and the office of the president of Malta. A 10-minute walk away, passing houses with their traditional closed wooden balconies known as gallarija, is the star-shaped Fort St Elmo, housing the National War Museum and – briefly – where Brad Pitt fought off the zombie apocalypse in World War Z. © Supplied by Finn Partners Across the water, the Colosseum was constructed not once but twice inside Fort Ricasoli for Gladiator and its recent sequel, and the entrance to an illegal dinosaur market was tucked away under the imposing Fort St Angelo in nearby Birgu. Today, the closest you'll get to dinosaurs is a visit to the island's medieval capital, Mdina, where the collection of prehistoric fossils at the Malta Museum of Natural History includes a tooth of a Giant White Shark, Carcharocles megalodon, which lived around 23 million years ago. It's not hard to believe you've stepped back into the past here though; instead of the revving of engines, you'll hear the clop of hooves, as horses pull carriages for tourists through the pedestrianised streets. Wandering down quiet alleys, occasional decorative signs reading 'the old Jewish silk market' and the 'old Greek bordello' offer the visitor clues to what might once have been hidden behind the imposing wooden doors. There's an added bonus for Game of Thrones fans, who can pretend they're exploring King's Landing; the ornate main gate doubled as the entrance to the capital of Westeros in the first season of the show. But while you're not going to find prehistoric life roaming this Mediterranean island, you could hardly pick a better location for a slice of the ancient past. Home to the world's second-oldest existing man-made religious structures, the temples at Ggantija on the sister island of Gozo date back more than 5,500 years. On Malta itself, the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are only slightly younger, still centuries older than the Great Pyramid at Giza and Stonehenge. © Shutterstock / In Green When I first visited Malta, there wasn't much information for visitors, so beyond gazing at the ancient stones and marvelling at how long they've stood there, it remained a bit of an enigma. Since then, a new visitor centre has been built at Hagar Qim, with a 3D movie introducing you to the temple builders and the sites, as well as displays of artefacts found during excavations. A highlight is the series of stone figures known as the 'fat ladies', including the Venus of Malta, although whether they're fertility statues, goddesses or even female at all is up for debate. Elsewhere, you might expect thousands of visitors at a site like this, especially at the equinoxes and solstices when light shines through a specially positioned opening to illuminate one area at Mnajdra. But if you walk to the remains of the temples to see the opening bored through the stone, you'll have it almost to yourself. © Shutterstock / Karina Movsesyan Surrounded by fields of wildflowers, looking out on the gleaming blue Mediterranean below, much of it remains a mystery. Whoever the temple builders were, they came, they brought huge megaliths – one weighing 20 tonnes, another stretching more than 5m tall – to a string of sites and then they vanished, their civilisation lost and the temples themselves buried and forgotten for millennia. With a history like that, who needs virtual dinosaurs to tempt you to visit? P.S. If you think Malta's only claim to fame is doubling for ancient cities or hosting rampaging dinosaurs, think again. Beneath the streets of Valletta lies a hidden world of tunnels and chambers carved out during the Second World War. These secret shelters protected thousands from relentless bombing raids and some of the more atmospheric sites, like the Lascaris War Rooms, have even been used as film locations themselves – blending Malta's real wartime history with its silver screen alter ego. Factfile There are regular direct flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Malta International Airport near Valletta, including routes with Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways. For more information on Malta, including more filming locations on the islands, go to
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Seaside town voted ‘UK's prettiest' set for increase in tourism with £23m cruise dock development – and new retail spaces
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR seaside resort is set for a major upgrade to its waterfront. The work, which includes a revamp of the cruise dock, could see Falmouth's tourism spike even higher. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Falmouth in Cornwall may undergo a major upgrade to its already bustling seafront Credit: Alamy 6 A visualisation image shows the proposed changes to Falmouth's dock complex Credit: FDEC/Cornwall Council Falmouth, which has a population of 33,128, is often regarded among the UK's top coastal towns, and is a bustling hub for staycationers. Located almost a two hour drive from Plymouth, the Cornwall town has previously earned itself descriptions such as "prettiest", "coolest", and "friendliest" from the likes of Time Out. Now, developers a proposing a project that will further enhance the town's tourism. The work will see Falmouth's dock completely refurbished, with plans submitted to Cornwall Council for approval. The application from the Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company (FDEC) detailed the proposed transformation. It described how work would take them from their "current run-down and unsafe condition into a state-of-the-art facility capable of meeting the needs of modern industries and fit for the challenges of the 21st century". This upgrade is part of a larger development plan, which includes a dredging project of £23 million. As well as removing built up material in the harbour, the proposed work is designed to increase the port's capacity. Ship repair facilities will be modernised and enhancements will be made to the wharves, enabling them to handle larger cruise ships. The plan also includes providing a new superyacht basin and workshops, catering to the needs of luxury vessels. Seaside town This redevelopment plan will also include new retail spaces, including work on Market Quay, which involves the transformation of the former Marks & Spencer building into three commercial units. If approved, the development will be the first major civil engineering project carried out on Falmouth docks since the late 1950s. The last project involved the construction of the Queen Elizabeth drydock and the County/Duchy wharves to accommodate the post war super tanker era. Meanwhile, the demolition of the 1930s built King's and Empire jetties 20 years ago robbed the docks of all-important berthing capacity, leading to the docks' current "musical berths" dilemma. As well as being established for ship repair, the Falmouth Docks also featured on the big screen in Brad Pitt's 2011 blockbuster hit World War Z. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' And if visiting this famous film location isn't enough of a draw, there's plenty to do in Falmouth. You can try out your sea legs with sailing trips, speed boat excursions, yacht charters, kayak tours, or wildlife cruises. Or if you want to get into the water yourself, the local Cornish Diving School accommodates all levels, including beginner. Falmouth also boasts four beaches, including Gyllyngvase Beach, which has a long stretch of golden sand. You can also take in the stunning coastal views from the town's local golf course. 6 Falmouth is a popular tourist destination located on the south east coast of Cornwall (stock image) Credit: Getty 6 The town welcomes 50 cruise ships each year (stock image) Credit: Getty And for days where the weather isn't as cooperative, there are a wide range of indoor activities on offer. These include the Kernow Escape Room, Love Park for indoor skating, Falmouth Art Gallery, and the award-winning independent Phoenix Cinema. And for history buffs, Pendennis Castle, the National Maritime Museum, and the Polliander Restoration Workshops provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. There is a wide range of accommodation options to choose from, with a "cosy room in a central townhouse" going for just £83 per night. Falmouth is also a heaven for foodies, with gastro pubs such as The Boathouse offering stunning views across the harbour while you dine. 6 The Falmouth area is home to stunning coastal viewpoints and golden strands of sand Credit: Getty
Geek Tyrant
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Angelina Jolie to Lead ANXIOUS PEOPLE From WORLD WAR Z Director Marc Forster — GeekTyrant
Angelina Jolie is set to star in Anxious People , the latest feature from director Marc Forster ( World War Z , A Man Called Otto ), adapted from the best-selling novel by Fredrik Backman, the same author behind A Man Called Ove . The story is described as a "comedy about a crime that never took place," and it follows Zara, an emotionally armored investment banker (played by Jolie), who begrudgingly attends an open house the day before Christmas Eve. 'Things spiral quickly when a nervous would-be bank robber, botching their escape, ends up taking everyone hostage. What follows is a tangled, heartfelt mess involving eight strangers, a disappearing criminal, and some seriously uncomfortable oversharing. 'In the chaos, these wildly different characters begin to discover unlikely connections and shared humanity.' The script comes from Oscar-nominated writer David Magee ( Life of Pi , Finding Neverland , A Man Called Otto ), reuniting much of the same creative team from A Man Called Otto , which grossed over $110 million globally. Producer Wikström Nicastro said in a statement: 'Fredrik's novels speak to our shared humanity in a way that really moves audiences, and we're proud to be able to deliver another heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of his work.' Forster added: 'The story is filled with humor, heart, chaos, and unexpected hope.' Producer Renée Wolfe summed up the film's spirit, saying: ' Anxious People is a uniquely warm and heartfelt story that speaks to our chaotic times by asking us to step outside of our own stories and slow down enough to actually see one another. 'It is set a week before Christmas and highlights a time when generosity and giving are values that are more in focus. Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic and always entertaining, Anxious People is a book that has sold over 6 million copies world-wide and, with Angelina Jolie playing the lead and Marc Forster directing, will surely prove to be a movie that will captivate millions more.' Jolie has had a diverse run in recent years from producing the Tony-winning The Outsiders musical to starring in Pablo Larraín's Oscar-nominated Maria , and directing First They Killed My Father . This sounds like another great project for Jolie to take on. Source: Deadline
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Angelina Jolie to feature in movie adaptation of ‘Anxious People'
Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie is set to star in Anxious People. The upcoming film will be directed by Marc Forster, best known for "Stranger Than Fiction" and "World War Z", and is an adaptation of Fredrik Backman's novel, reported entertainment news outlet Deadline. The story revolves around an investment banker, Zara (Jolie), who begrudgingly finds herself mingling with a group of strangers at an open house, a day before Christmas Eve. When a reluctant bank robber inadvertently takes the group hostage, chaos and oversharing ensue, secrets are revealed and literally nothing goes according to plan. ALSO READ:Angelina Jolie movie 'Stitches' casts Ella Rumpf, Louis Garrel Previously, the book was adapted into a series by Netflix. It released in 2021.
