A new psychological thriller titled ‘Past Life’ is set to begin filming in Manchester, featuring a stellar cast including Jeremy Piven, William Moseley, and Pixie Lott.
- The story revolves around investigative reporter Jason Frey, who, along with his wife, gets drawn into a mysterious murder investigation through a hypnotic experience.
- Grimmfest Festival chief Simeon Halligan is at the helm, with the film’s script co-written by Halligan, Dean Lines, and Ray Bogdanovich.
- James is composing the film’s score, adding a musical allure to the gripping narrative.
- The film’s development has been supported through private equity, UK Film tax credits, and the backing of Manchester’s The Vectar Project.
The psychological thriller ‘Past Life’ brings together a compelling cast and an intriguing narrative, bringing excitement to film enthusiasts. Jeremy Piven, William Moseley, and Pixie Lott are set to lead this Manchester-based project. Directed by Grimmfest’s Simeon Halligan, ‘Past Life’ promises a unique and engaging storyline. The plot centres on Jason Frey, an investigative reporter played by Moseley, who experiences a shocking vision of a murder while under hypnosis at an event he attended with his pregnant wife, Claira, portrayed by Lott. This leads to an unexpected alliance with the hypnotist, enacted by Piven, as they delve into a series of unsolved 1980s murders through past life regression techniques, inadvertently reawakening a dormant psychotic killer.
This engaging film project is produced by several notable figures, including Rachel Richardson-Jones of Grimmfest Films, Pierre Romain, and Michael Laundon. Furthermore, the film benefits from the expertise of executive producers Michael Bassick and Clay Epstein, both of whom bring a wealth of experience from previous successful productions. Epstein, in his position as the president of Film Mode Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasising the high calibre of talent involved and the captivating story that could keep audiences enthralled. His statement highlights the potential of the film to captivate viewers with its thrilling narrative and strong performances.
Financially, the film’s production is backed by a combination of private investments, a sales minimum guarantee (MG), and the recently enhanced UK Film tax credit. The involvement of Manchester’s The Vectar Project further underscores local support for the production. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in February 2025, marking a significant step in its journey from development to the big screen. This financial foundation, coupled with the established talent both in front of and behind the camera, likely sets the stage for a successful project.
James’s involvement in scoring the film adds a distinctive musical element, drawing on their indie music background to complement the film’s suspenseful tone. The band’s contribution is expected to enhance the film’s atmospheric depth and emotional resonance, providing an additional layer to the storytelling.
The project’s history reflects a persistent dedication, as initial talks included actors such as Emile Hirsch and Eddie Izzard. Although these actors are no longer part of the project, the current line-up, combined with the creative team’s commitment, showcases the film’s potential to deliver an engaging cinematic experience.
‘Past Life’ brings together an exceptional cast and creative team, promising a captivating thriller set to intrigue audiences globally.
