Oscar winnerAnne Hathawayand two-time Oscar nomineeJessica Chastainare set to star in the psychological thrillerMothers' Instinct, which will see them play 1960’s housewives whose relationship takes a dark turn. The duo previously co-starred inChristopher Nolan’sInterstellartogether.
The story follows best friends and neighbors Alice (Chastain) and Celine (Hathaway) who both live an idyllic, traditional lifestyle with manicured lawns, successful husbands and sons of the same age. Life’s perfect harmony is suddenly shattered after a tragic accident, and their sisterly bond begins to unravel due to feelings of guilt, suspicion and paranoia. This leads to a psychological battle of wills as the maternal instinct reveals its darker side.
Deadlinereports thatOlivier Masset-Depassewill helm the indie film, which is an English-language remake of his award-winning 2018 Belgian movieDuelles.Sarah Conradt(50 States of Fright) is writing the script, which is based on the novelDerrière La HainebyBarbara Abel.
Chastain is producing under her Freckle Films banner along withKelly Carmichaeland Mosaic’sPaul Nelson, as well asJacques-Henri Bronckart(The Nun). European company Anton will fully finance and executive produce the project, whichSébastien RaybaudandJohn Zoiswill oversee on behalf of the company. CAA Media Finance arranged the film’s financing and is representing the project’s domestic rights alongside Anton, whoseCecile Gagetwill oversee worldwide sales at the online AFM.
“It takes actors of Jessica and Anne’s caliber to communicate the intricacy of these two roles. The relationship between a mother and child is the most powerful connection between two human beings. When this bond is severed, it calls into question conventional morality and even sanity. In the behind-closed-doors atmosphere of 1960’s America,Mothers’ Instinctbecomes a terrifying, high-pressure powder keg," Masset-Depasse said in a statement.
“Audiences could not wish for a more dynamic match-up on screen. Both character roles are wonderfully complex and will showcase Jessica and Anne’s incredible breadth of talent. Olivier has already proven adept at this twist on the Hitchcockian genre and we have great faith in his ability to deliver a compelling thriller," added Anton founder/CEO Raybaud.
Hathaway currently stars inRobert Zemeckis' adaptation ofThe Witches, which is currently streaming on HBO Max, and she’s currently filmingDoug Liman’s romantic heist movieLockdownwithChiwetel Ejiofor. Hathaway is also set to star in WB’sSesame Streetmovie andJames Gray’s coming-of-age filmArmageddon Time.
Chastain recently started shooting the HBO limited seriesScenes from A MarriagewithOscar Isaac, and she’ll soon be seen oppositeAndrew GarfieldinMichael Showalter’sThe Eyes of Tammy Faye. Chastain has also wrappedJohn Michael McDonagh’s new filmThe Forgiven, which pairs her withRalph Fiennes. For more onScenes from a Marriage,click here.
