Toni Collette is all set to star in an upcoming film titled A French Pursuit, directed by the Twilight fame Catherine Hardwicke. The upcoming flick is inspired by the French hit Antoinette Dans Les Cévennes or My Donkey, My Lover & I. The 51-year-old actress has made a name for starring in some of the critically acclaimed independent films and television series.
A French Pursuit is slated to feature the third collaboration between Toni Collette, Catherine Hardwicke, and producer Christopher Simon after Miss You Already and Mafia Mamma. Earlier, Collette gave some praiseworthy performances in Muriel’s Wedding, The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine, and Hereditary.
What is Toni Collette’s upcoming feature about?
In the upcoming feature by Catherine Hardwicke, the Academy Award-nominated actress will be seen in the role of an unconventional British art teacher, Zoe Turner who is madly in love with rebel spirit, Jean-Louis. However, when her plan for a holiday with Jean-Louis gets interrupted due to the latter’s plan with his family on a donkey trek, she embarks on a quest for Jean-Louis in the company of a donkey called Napoleon.
According to Variety, the screenplay of the upcoming Toni Collette film has been adapted and written by BAFTA nominee Olivia Hetreed. HanWay Films, which will distribute the film worldwide has praised Hetreed and claimed that she has brilliantly captured the magic of the French film. HanWay CEO, Gabrielle Stewart has also added that Olivia Hetreed has brought new original layers to the story.
Catherine Hardwicke, who has earlier worked in Twilight, Red Riding Hood, and Miss Balla expressed her excitement to work with Toni Collette- “I’m excited to shoot a new version of Zoe’s crazy journey this spring in the magical scenery of the Cévennes.” On the other hand, New Sparta has also added that they are looking forward to the British reimagining of the French hit.
Did Toni Collette not want to work in Hereditary?
One of Toni Collette’s standout performances to date was in the 2018 horror flick Hereditary. The horror flick featured the story of strange occurrences in a family after the unfortunate demise of their grandmother. Hereditary was the directorial debut of the Midsommar fame, Ari Aster, and one of the best works by A24 Productions.
Hereditary went on to become one of the most critically acclaimed horror films and garnered praise for all the departments starting from the story to the performances. Even though Toni Collette made a primary contribution to the success of the film, surprisingly, the actress did not want to play such a heavy role. In an interview with Vulture, she said:
“When this was sent to me, I had already said to my agent, ‘I don’t want to do anything heavy. Don’t even think about sending me anything heavy.’ He called me, sheepishly: ‘I think you should be in this.’ He was right. I f**king love it, and I hate him for sending it.”
Toni Collette also added that working in Hereditary was one of the hardest jobs in her life. She added that although she loved the role, it demanded a lot from her. The film made her face many emotions and every day it surprised her in a new way.
Hereditary can be streamed on Max.
