Sofia Coppola’s “The Beguiled” Brings “Misery” to the Civil War in First Trailer (Video)
1Academy Award-winning director and writer Sofia Coppola is back with her newest film since 2013’s The Bling Ring (not counting the 2015 Netflix variety special A Very Murray Christmas). The first trailer for THE BEGUILED, a remake of 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood, is full of gorgeous cinematography of sunlight slipping through trees and curtains, the backdrop of the Civil War, and, of course, a healthy dose of sex, paranoia, and vengeance.
In the film, Colin Farrell plays an injured Union soldier who’s taken in by an all-girl boarding school in the South. However, the sexually-repressed atmosphere of the school soon gives way to deceit and violence as John (Farrell) bonds with each of the girls, including Alicia (Elle Fanning), the school’s founder Martha (Nicole Kidman), and the schoolteacher Edwina (Kirsten Dunst).
It’s hard not to get Kathy Bates Misery vibes from the trailer, which concludes with John screaming desperately, “What have you done to me, you vengeful bitches?!,” and frankly, it’s also hard not be completely thrilled by it either as the trailers builds and builds with tension.
Coppola has a distinct and strong directing style, seen in films like Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette (which starred Dunst), and The Bling Ring. I’m an unabashed fan of Coppola’s and her work as a director is some of my favorite on screen. Combine that with my love of period dramas and this film is easily one of my most anticipated of the year. Not to mention the stellar cast that has been assembled for this film, led primarily by supremely talented women in what look like a variety of interesting, complex, and compelling roles.
Bring on all the Annie Wilkes and Amy Dunnes of the Civil War. I’m ready.
As a bonus, check out the trailer for the original film — it might give you a laugh or two.
Anya Crittenton | Associate Editor
