Child 44
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Writers: Richard Price
Producer: Summit Entertainment, Worldview Entertainment, Etalon Film, Scott Free Productions, Stillking Films
U.S. Distributor: Summit Ent/Lionsgate
Cast: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman, Vincent Cassel, Jason Clarke, Paddy Considine
Based on the first novel from a popular trilogy, this sounds like a melding of John Le Carre and Stieg Larsson (of course, mainplayers Rapace and Oldman might be responsible for that ambiance as well). Helmed by Swedish director Daniel Espinosa, who received wide acclaim with his 2010 film, Easy Money, we’re hoping this gets more traction than his 2012 English language debut, Safe House. A killer (and very masculine) cast should make this one to watch for, though screenwriter Richard Price can be a bit iffy. He’s been working television since his last feature screenplay, which was 2006’s Freedomland…but we’re hoping this is the same caliber as his credits for Clockers and Sea of Love.
Gist: Set in Stalin-era Soviet Union, a disgraced MGB agent is dispatched to investigate a series of child murders — a case that begins to connect with the very top of party leadership.
Release Date: We’re thinking a direct theatrical release, though a premiere slot in Toronto or Venice wouldn’t be surprising.
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