After becoming an internet sensation upon the release of BBC’s adaptation of Normal People—so much so that Instagram accounts were made to appreciate Connell’s chain—Mescal has landed his first major film role.
Cast in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut The Lost Daughter, the Irish actor will join Olivia Colman (The Favourite), Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey, Suspiria), Peter Sarsgaard (Green Lantern) and Jessie Buckley (Judy, I’m Thinking of Ending Things) for a new and upcoming thriller.
Mescal confirmed the news of this casting on Twitter recently, stating “I’m a very excited boy!”. Having recently been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of Connell in Normal People, expectations are, undoubtedly, high for this new role.
The Lost Daughter will be based on the book by Elena Ferrante, following Colman’s lead character: Leda, a college professor who slowly becomes obsessed with a young woman and her daughter while on holiday in southern Italy. When a small, seemingly meaningless event occurs, Leda is overwhelmed by memories of the difficult and unconventional choices she made as a mother. What was first a tale of rediscovery and holiday bliss soon turns into a story of a woman’s confrontation with her past.
Speaking about the film with Variety, Gyllenhaal stated: “When I finished reading Elena Ferrante’s The Lost Daughter, I felt that something secret and true had been said out loud. And I was both disturbed and comforted by that […] I immediately thought how much more intense the experience would be in a movie theatre, with other people around. And I set to work on this adaptation.” Alongside directing the film, Gyllenhaal will also be writing the script.
Gyllenhaal also stated:”I find that the script has attracted other people interested in exploring these secret truths about motherhood, sexuality, femininity, desire. And I’m thrilled to continue my collaboration with such brave and exciting actors and filmmakers.”
With a stellar cast and an intriguing, gripping synopsis, The Lost Daughter is bound to be a highly anticipated release. Watch this space for more exciting updates including trailers and first looks!
Words by Lucy Lillystone
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