A star-studded cast swaps barbs in a UK trailer for “The Party.” Described as “a comedy wrapped around a tragedy,” the black and white Sally Potter film features Patricia Clarkson (“House of Cards”), Emily Mortimer (“Doll & Em”), Kristin Scott Thomas (“The English Patient”), Cherry Jones (“Transparent”), Cillian Murphy (“The Dark Knight” trilogy), Bruno Ganz (“Downfall”), and Timothy Spall (“Denial”).

Janet (Scott Thomas) and Bill (Spall) are hosting a dinner party, but the latter seems both dazed and distracted. He waits until the guests arrive to say, rather formally, “I have an announcement.” We aren’t privy to what that announcement is, but it seems bad. Janet responds by saying she could “kill him.” And Bill and Janet are far from the only sources of drama.

One guest is described as “ridiculously handsome” but “a wanker.” Another is told his “cliches are unbearable.” Some of the exchanges are playful, and others are outright hostile. “I believe in truth and reconciliation,” Janet claims, before becoming overwhelmed with anger and biting herself. It seems like everyone is having a meltdown or on the verge of one.

“As people’s illusions about themselves and each other go up in smoke, along with the canapes, ‘The Party’ becomes a night that began with champagne but ends with blood on the floor,” the film’s official synopsis hints.

“The Party” was very warmly received at the Berlinale, and currently boasts a 100 percent “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film opens in the UK October 13. A U.S. release date has yet to be announced, but “The Party” is expected to hit North American theaters sometime in February 2018.