One of the biggest, classiest and most widely acclaimed horror hits of recent years, 2014’s The Babadook made an overnight genre star of its director, Jennifer Kent, and we’ve been eagerly awaiting her second feature since. Now, finally, we can bring you some details regarding her latest project, entitled The Nightingale.
Again working from her own script, Kent is currently preparing to start production on the film, which is set in Tasmania in 1825. It follows a 21-year-old Irish convict who bears witness to the brutal murder of her husband and baby by her soldier master and his comrades. Unable to find justice through any official means, she befriends an Aboriginal male tracker who guides her through the unforgiving wilderness to seek revenge on the men.
Variety reports that Sam Claflin and Aisling Franciosi will star, with Quarry’s Damon Herriman, Ewen Leslie, Hacksaw Ridge’s Harry Greenwood, Aboriginal Djuki Mala dancer Baykali Ganambarr and East Arnhem Land indigenous model Magnolia Maymuru.
Made Up Stories, Screen Australia, the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania, and the South Australian Film Corporation will co-finance the picture with Bron Creative, who will executive produce.
Production on The Nightingale is due to begin this month in Tasmania, Australia.
Words: Kevan Farrow (@KevanX)
