From Ottessa Moshfegh’s Eileen to Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, there are so many book adaptations to look forward to this winter. If you want to read the book before watching the film, here’s a list of the top 5 book adaptations releasing this December.
Eileen (December 8)
Directed by William Oldroyd Eileen is based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2015 novel of the same name. “Set during a bitter 1964 Massachusetts winter, young secretary Eileen becomes enchanted by the glamorous new counselor at the prison where she works,” reads an official synopsis for the movie. “Their budding friendship takes a twisted turn when Rebecca reveals a dark secret — throwing Eileen onto a sinister path.” Thomasin McKenzie plays the titular character of this psychological thriller film. Anne Hathaway plays the glamorous counselor Rebecca. Other cast actors include Shea Whigham, Marin Ireland, Owen Teague, Jefferson White, Tonye Patano, and Siobhan Fallon Hogan.
Leave the World Behind (December 8)
Netflix reads: A family’s vacation is upended when two strangers arrive at night, seeking refuge from a cyberattack that grows more terrifying by the minute, forcing everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world. Directed by Sam Esmail, the psychological thriller film is based on Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel of the same name. The film stars Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, Mahershala Ali, Myha’la, and Kevin Bacon.
Poor Things (December 8)
Poor Things is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name. The plot focuses on a young Victorian woman who after being resurrected by a scientist following her suicide runs off with a debauched lawyer to embark on a journey of sexual liberation and self-discovery. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone plays the central character of young Bella Bextar. Willem Dafoe plays scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter and Mark Ruffalo plays the debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn. The film also includes Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, Jerrod Carmichael, Margaret Qualley, and Kathryn Hunter.
Wonka (December 15)
Wonks tells the origin story of Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Directed by Paul King, the musical fantasy film features Wonka’s early days as an eccentric chocolatier. It stars Timothée Chalamet in the titular role. Other cast include Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, Sally Hawkins, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, and Olivia Colman.
Color Purple (December 25)
Directed by Blitz Bazawule upcoming musical coming-of-age period drama Color Purple is based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same. It focuses on a decade-spanning tale of resilience and love. Though the story delves into the lives of a few African-American women during the early 1990s, Celie (Fantasia Barrino) is the primary character whose hope and faith in life portray a strong sisterhood. The film stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P Henson, Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, and Corey Hawkins.
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