Even if the name Max Minghella sounds unfamiliar, you probably know who he is.
Fans of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will likely recognize him as Nick Blaine, while David Fincher aficionados may remember his appearance as Divya Narendra in “The Social Network,” but what really matters is that the UK-born actor is hopping behind the camera for his newest project, “Teen Spirit.”
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Despite snatching its title from the ultra-angsty Nirvana anthem, the film sounds downright charming. Here is the official synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Violet lives with her mother on a small farm on the Isle of Wight. Her days are spent doing chores, waiting tables, and attending secondary school, where she keeps to herself. But in her free time — spent alone in her room, in the fields with her beloved horse, or at an under-attended open-mic night — Violet surrenders to song. She’s a naturally gifted singer for whom pop stardom might not be mere fantasy.
It is anyone’s guess what Minghella might bring to the table in terms of style and pacing — it should be noted that Minghella is the son of British director Anthony Minghella, best known for “The English Patient” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley” — but prospects do seem promising.
“I’m incredibly proud of this movie,” the 32-year-old filmmaker stated in an interview earlier this year. “I think, for better or worse, it’s exactly what I set out to make…My biggest hope is that people have a good time watching it.”
Relatedly, the actor-turned-director described “Teen Spirit” as a film not meant to challenge the audience, but as “a piece of pop entertainment.” Given the wholesome-sounding summary, the music-themed drama appears specifically designed to melt hearts and inject critics with their daily dose of nostalgia.
Leading the cast is the always-impressive Elle Fanning — her performance in the film has been described as “stunningly controlled” — who will star alongside Zlatko Buric, Agnieszka Grochowska, and Rebecca Hall.
A theatrical release date for “Teen Spirit” has not been announced, but the film will premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.
Here’s the first look at the teaser:
https://twitter.com/maxminghella/status/1037369205551595520
