A Hidden Life trailer offers a gorgeous look at Terrence Malick’s latest

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

When it comes to auteur filmmakers whose filmography can glide between masterful and “Huh?”, Terrence Malick is perhaps without equal. The director of DAYS OF HEAVEN, THE TREE OF LIFE and KNIGHT OF CUPS is back with his new movie A HIDDEN LIFE, and the new trailer teases a gorgeous biographical drama about challenging an imposing authority and standing up for what's right, all against stunning mountain landscapes. Seriously, Malick knows how to film a damn mountain. 

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Starring August Diehl (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS), Valerie Pachner (THE GROUND BENEATH MY FEET) and Michael Nyqvist (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL), A HIDDEN LIFE tells the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian conscientious objector who was eventually imprisoned for refusing to fight for Hitler’s Third Reich. Even people who aren't fans of Malick's work may find it hard to deny the sheer visual beauty of what's shown in this trailer, as well as what looks like two winning performances from Diehl and Pachner, all of which should make the near three-hour runtime feel worth it. 

The movie premiered at Cannes earlier this year, where it was met with mostly positive reviews and was nominated for the Palme d'Or, eventually losing to Bong Joon-ho's PARASITE. The movie was eventually picked up by Fox Searchlight for a whopping number ranging between $12-$14 million, a staggering amount considering Malick is hardly a box office draw. Fox Searchlight was no doubt hoping this could be the first Malick movie to crack award's season since his 2011 film TREE OF LIFE, which received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and more. 

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Only time will tell if his latest can bring him back into the awards fold after so-so efforts like CUPS, SONG TO SONG and TO THE WONDER, but A HIDDEN LIFE certainly looks like his best movie in years, tackling a powerful story that looks like it could be more accessible to crowds who may not always be on board for what the director offers. 

A HIDDEN LIFE is in theaters December 13.