Robert Pattinson was locked in a room to read script for Nolan’s new film

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It's always somewhat of an event when Christopher Nolan tackles a new project, but it's usually quite some time before we get any concrete facts about what that project is as Nolan prefers to keep that information under lock and key. The DUNKIRK director is currently assembling the cast for his latest mystery film, which includes Robert Pattinson (HIGH LIFE).

While speaking with USA Today, the actor said that he was "sworn to secrecy" regarding the film, and that when it came time to read the script, he had to be locked in a room.

I got locked in a room to read the script – I don't have it myself. I've been a little wary of doing big movies for years and years, but there's just something about Chris Nolan's stuff. He seems like the only director now who can do what is essentially a very personal, independent movie that has huge scale. I read the script and it's unreal.

Described as a "massive, innovative, action blockbuster which will again be shown in Imax," the project will also star John David Washington (BLACKKKLANSMAN) and Elizabeth Debicki (WIDOWS). Production on the film will kick off later this year and Warner Bros. has already slated the project for a July 17, 2020 release.

Robert Pattinson will next be seen in HIGH LIFE, an erotic sci-fi thriller from Claire Denis (BEAU TRAVAIL). Pattinson stars as Monte, who, along with his baby daughter, are the last survivors of a dangerous mission into deep space. Our own JimmyO recently reviewed the film, and while he found HIGH LIFE to be unique and intriging, he felt that the slow pace made for a less than compelling watch.

It is nearly impossible to connect with the characters, and the slow pace makes for an occasionally less than compelling watch. Yet stepping away from the film it was easy to remember the brave choices that Denis made. The frank sexuality and the focus on a man trying to raise his daughter all bring a unique beauty to this weird world. In fact, I’d wager that it’s something that would possibly be worth a revisit on home video. At times, this sci-fi drama had shades of a Terrance Malick film in the way the dialogue is spoken and just how Denis creates a picture of life in space. Profound, powerful, problematic and pretentious, and yet not always stunning to watch. If you want to take the dive, I wouldn’t blame you. However, if you aren’t fans of heavily cerebral science fiction, you are not likely to engage in this journey on any level.

HIGH LIFE will hit select theaters on April 5th.