The Daily Wire has unveiled a teaser and new details for “Confession,” a Stalin-era prison drama written by co-founder Ben Shapiro and directed by Czech filmmaker Vaclav Marhoul, with Rob Lowe and James Franco in the lead roles.
The film is set to premiere Thursday at the Warsaw Film Festival, according to a news release shared with Forbes. It will then open in 100 U.S. theaters for one night Nov. 11, the same day it debuts on the Daily Wire’s streaming platform, Deadline reported.
Set in 1938 Moscow, the story follows Alexei, a disillusioned former literature professor played by Mr. Lowe. He is arrested and taken to Lubyanka Prison on charges of conspiring with his dissident priest. There he is interrogated by Vladimir, a former student played by Mr. Franco.
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The cast also includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Nick Nolte, Richard Brake, Emile Hirsch, Brad Dourif and Dean Norris. Five of the actors are Oscar nominees, and Mr. Lowe also serves as a producer, Forbes reported, citing the Daily Wire’s release.
Mr. Marhoul said the project took him into new territory, an intimate, dialogue-driven psychological drama set in a single location. He worked with cinematographer Peter Menzies Jr. on the visual approach, Deadline reported. The film was shot on 35mm at Santa Clarita Studios north of Los Angeles.
Mr. Shapiro called the film “extraordinarily beautiful and honest,” saying it is rooted in faith, morality and virtue.
The project surfaced in September when it appeared on the Warsaw festival’s website without a press release. Mr. Marhoul’s 2019 film “The Painted Bird” premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival.
“Confession” follows other Daily Wire projects that have drawn controversy. “Run Hide Fight: Infidels,” starring Jonathan Majors, faced a labor dispute and safety concerns after Mr. Majors and a co-star fell through an unsecured window during filming. Livingston, Montana, officials temporarily suspended the filming permit for “Pawn Shop,” starring Danny Trejo, and production has since resumed.
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