Greenwich Entertainment has made a significant acquisition with the directorial debut of Durga Chew-Bose, "Bonjour Tristesse". This film, starring Chloë Sevigny, Claes Bang, and Lily McInerny, has created quite a buzz after its premiere at this year's Toronto Film Festival. It is based on the renowned 1954 novel by Françoise Sagan, which has previously been adapted into a BAFTA-nominated feature. The movie is set to hit U.S. theaters next summer through Greenwich, while Elevation will release it in Canada. Universal Pictures is on board for international distribution.

Production and Team

"Bonjour Tristesse" is a production by Babe Nation Films and Elevation Pictures. The film is produced by Katie Bird Nolan and Lindsay Tapscott of Babe Nation, along with Christina Piovesan and Noah Segal from Elevation. Benito Mueller and Wolfgang Mueller from Barry Films also play a part. Exec producers include Denis Westhoff, Suzanne Court, and Fabien Westerhoff. Additionally, Emily Kulasa, Jesse Weening, and Omar Chalabi from Elevation Pictures are involved.

Perhaps best known for her 2017 essay collection "Too Much and Not the Mood", Durga Chew-Bose's writing has been featured in renowned publications like The New Yorker, BuzzFeed, and The New York Times. In a statement on the acquisition, she expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm truly grateful to partner with Greenwich to bring Bonjour Tristesse to audiences. It's an incredible honor to have my directorial debut join their distinctive and dynamic slate of films, and I couldn't imagine a better home for this project."

Babe Nation also shared their excitement, stating, "We're thrilled to release this singular adaptation of Françoise Sagan's internationally beloved story to a contemporary audience next summer. Though written in 1954, the themes of Bonjour Tristesse remain modern to this day and we look forward to reintroducing this iconic tale worldwide in 2025, told through a female lens, as Françoise herself would have wanted."

The Story and Characters

The coming-of-age film follows 18-year-old Cécile (McInerny), who is spending the summer by the French seaside with her handsome father, Raymond (Bang), and his lover, Elsa (Naïlia Harzoune). When the arrival of her late mother's friend Anne (Sevigny) disrupts their lives, Cécile's world is turned upside down. Amid the sun-drenched splendor of their surroundings, Cécile becomes desperate to regain control and sets in motion a plan to drive Anne away, with tragic consequences.

The story unfolds with a delicate balance of emotions and the complexities of family and relationships. The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own motives and desires. Chloë Sevigny brings a certain charm and mystery to the role of Anne, while Claes Bang's Raymond exudes a certain charm and charisma. Lily McInerny's Cécile is a young woman on the verge of adulthood, struggling to find her place in the world.

The setting of the French seaside adds to the allure of the story, creating a backdrop of beauty and tranquility that contrasts with the inner turmoil of the characters. The film captures the essence of adolescence and the challenges that come with growing up, making it a relatable and engaging story for audiences.

Distribution and Impact

With Greenwich Entertainment handling the U.S. distribution and Elevation Pictures releasing it in Canada, "Bonjour Tristesse" is set to reach a wide audience. Universal Pictures' involvement in international distribution ensures that the film will be seen around the world.

This acquisition not only brings a new and exciting film to the market but also showcases the talent and vision of Durga Chew-Bose. It is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the ability of a story to resonate with audiences across different cultures and time periods. As the film prepares to hit theaters next summer, it is sure to generate a lot of buzz and become a must-see for movie lovers.

The success of "Bonjour Tristesse" could open up new opportunities for Durga Chew-Bose and the production teams involved. It could also pave the way for more adaptations of classic novels and the exploration of new and innovative storytelling techniques. With its unique blend of drama, romance, and coming-of-age elements, "Bonjour Tristesse" is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.