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

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The psychological drama “Séance on a Wet Afternoon,” directed by Tomas Alfredson, which features Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz (“The Favourite”), has been acquired by FilmNation before the Cannes Film Market. The domestic rights for this film are being represented by UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.

Jack Thorne, known for his work on “Adolescence,” penned the script for “Séance on a Wet Afternoon,” which is adapted from Mark McShane’s 1961 bestselling suspense novel of the same name. In this film, Weisz will portray Myra, a woman who claims to be a medium and convinces her husband Billy to kidnap a child from a wealthy family in order to help the police find him, thereby validating her psychic powers. However, it is eventually revealed that Myra’s intentions are not as they seem, causing Billy to recognize that her plan poses a danger to both of them.

I’ve recently come across a novel that was transformed into an exceptionally well-received movie back in 1964. The film featured Richard Attenborough and Kim Stanley, with the latter earning an Oscar nod for Best Actress due to her captivating portrayal.

Known for his BAFTA-winning “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and the critically acclaimed Swedish movie “Let the Right One In,” director Alfredson expressed: “I’m captivated by intricate characters, and Jack Thorne’s gripping script combines profoundly deep personalities with unsettling surprises. With Rachel Weisz leading this venture as both producer and star of Myra, the film promises to be intense and nerve-wracking. It is a chilling examination of desperation, delving into the thin boundary between reality and illusion.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the captivating film “Séance on a Wet Afternoon” is set to be brought to life by the skillful hands of producer Robyn Slovo. Alongside her are Polly Stokes and Rachel Weisz from Astral Projection, as well as Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe from Element Pictures – a distinguished company under Fremantle’s umbrella, known for their work on Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things.

I’m proud to be involved in this project, as it falls under the initial evaluation and production agreement that I, along with my team at Astral Projection (established by Weisz and Stokes, known for “American Honey” and “Wild Rose”), sealed with Fremantle last year.

Alfredson is represented by United Talent Agency (UTA). On the other hand, Weisz is managed by Independent, CAA, Linden Entertainment, ID PR, Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman. Lastly, Thorne is under UTA’s representation as well as Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern.

Currently, Weisz is gearing up to serve as executive producer and take on the main character in Netflix’s miniseries “Vladimir,” which is adapted from Julia May Jonas’ novel. The story revolves around a woman who develops an intense fascination with her alluring new workplace acquaintance.

FilmNation’s lineup for the Cannes market additionally features “The Invite,” a film directed by Olivia Wilde. In this production, she will join forces with Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton on screen.

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2025-05-03 01:52