Shirley: Release Date, Cast, Trailer and Everything We Know About The Biopic
American poet and novelist Shirley Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror writers of all time, and her life and works have been the subject of various adaptations and biopics. The latest of these is the upcoming biopic "Shirley", directed by Josephine Decker and starring Elisabeth Moss, Odessa Young, and Michael Stuhlbarg. In this article, we’ll give you an update on the release date, cast, trailer, and everything else we know about this anticipated biopic.
Release Date
"Shirley" is scheduled to be released on April 16, 2021, in the United States. The film has been selected to screen at various film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, where it has received critical acclaim.
Cast
The film features an impressive cast, with Elisabeth Moss taking on the lead role of Shirley Jackson. Moss is best known for her work in the TV series "Mad Men" and "The Handmaid’s Tale", for which she won an Emmy Award. She will be joined by Odessa Young, who has appeared in films such as "Peter Rabbit" and "Euphoria", and Michael Stuhlbarg, a veteran actor with roles in "A Serious Man" and "Boardwalk Empire".
Trailer
The official trailer for "Shirley" was released in March 2021, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Jackson family and the events that inspired some of Shirley’s most famous works. The trailer suggests a dark and psychological thriller that explores the complexities of Shirley’s relationships and her struggles with mental health.
Plot
The biopic is based on the book "Shirley: A Novel" by Susanna Moore, which fictionalizes the events surrounding the writing of Shirley Jackson’s novel "The Haunting of Hill House". The film follows Shirley, her husband Stanley, and their young friend Rossey, who come to stay with the Jacksons for the summer. As tensions rise and relationships become strained, Shirley’s mental health begins to deteriorate, leading to a tragic series of events.
Themes and Inspiration
The biopic is expected to explore themes of mental health, trauma, and the struggle for creative expression. Jackson’s life was marked by mental health issues, anxiety, and depression, which greatly influenced her writing and the themes she explored in her work. The film will also delve into Jackson’s relationships with her family, particularly her husband Stanley, who was also her publisher and editor.
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Josephine Decker has spoken about her desire to create a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of Shirley Jackson, who she believes is often misunderstood as a one-dimensional horror writer. Decker has praised the performances of her cast, particularly Elisabeth Moss, who she says has a deep understanding of Shirley’s complexities.
What We Know So Far
From the trailer and promotional materials, we know that "Shirley" promises to be a complex and thought-provoking biopic that explores the inner workings of one of America’s most influential writers. With a talented cast, a critically acclaimed director, and a gripping premise, this film is definitely one to watch for fans of horror, literature, and biopics. With its release date looming, we can’t wait to see how "Shirley" will explore the life and works of this fascinating and enigmatic writer.