JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray gave Lady Macbeth director William Oldroyd’s “terrific potboiler” Eileen an 8/10 review (read it HERE) after watching the movie at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and now we know when a wider audience is going to have the chance to see it. NEON has picked up the North American rights to Eileen and are planning to release the film theatrically this fall.
Based on the 2015 novel by Ottessa Moshfegh, who wrote the screenplay adaptation with Luke Goebel, Eileen has the following synopsis: Set during a bitter 1964 Massachusetts winter, young secretary Eileen becomes enchanted by the glamorous new counselor at the prison where she works. Their budding friendship takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret — throwing Eileen onto a sinister path.
The film stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anne Hathaway, Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland, and Owen Teague.
Eileen was produced by Fifth Season, Oldroyd, Likely Story’s Anthony Bregman, Stefanie Azpiazu, and Peter Cron, as well as Goebel and Moshfegh’s Omniscient Productions, with backing from Film4.
Oldroyd provided the following statement: “It’s a thrill to have NEON on board and give this film a platform to reach a wide audience. This production has been a labor of love, from collaborating with Ottessa and Luke to the exceptionally talented actors and crew. NEON are the perfect partners and we look forward to working with them.“
Goebel added: “Eileen is mesmerizing on the pages, and even more so on screen. We’re overjoyed Eileen has found a home at the prestigious NEON, and now everyone will have another opportunity to be charmed by her again.“
Moshfegh had this to say: “Seeing my book come to life on screen has always been a career goal. The premiere at Sundance was a beautiful glimpse of what is to come.“
Does Eileen sound interesting to you? Have you read Moshfegh’s book, and if so, are you looking forward to watching the film adaptation? Let us know by leaving a comment below. I am very intrigued by this project. I think I might check out both the book and the movie.