Rachel Weisz is set to star in and produce a film adaptation of Naomi Alderman’s novel “Disobedience,” Variety reports.
The story, Variety writes, “follows young woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish home after learning about the death of her estranged father. She causes an upheaval in the quiet community when she rekindles a repressed love with her best friend — a woman now married to her cousin.”
“Ida” writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz penned the script with Sebastian Lelio (“Gloria”). The latter will direct.
Over ten years after winning an Oscar for her performance in “The Constant Gardner,” Weisz has had a great 2016. She’s put out powerful performances in “The Lobster,” “The Light Between the Oceans,” and her latest film, “Denial,” opens today, September 30. Based on Deborah E. Lipstadt’s book “History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier,” the film follows Lipstadt’s legal battle with author David Irving (Timothy Spall), who sued her in 1996. Irving accused Lipstadt of libel after she identified some of his works and statements as Holocaust denial. Weiz is getting awards buzz for the performance.
“Disobedience” will mark Weisz’s third time producing. She co-produced the 2003 adaptation of Neil LaBute’s play “The Shape of Things,” in which she also starred, and executive produced the 2014 British film “Radiator.” She’s one of many actresses who have turned to producing — perhaps to create the opportunities she felt were lacking for women in the industry.
In addition to “Disobedience,” Weisz’s other upcoming projects include the Fox Searchlight flick “My Cousin Rachel” and James Marsh’s “The Mercy.”
