North American rights to Claire Denis’ latest led to “a competitive situation on the eve of the European Film Market,” with A24 coming out victorious. Deadline reports that “The Stars at Noon” was acquired in a low seven-figure deal.
Based on the 1986 Denis Johnson novel of the same name, the thriller is set in 1984 during the Nicaraguan Revolution. The pic follows “a mysterious English businessman and headstrong American journalist who strike up a passionate romance. They soon become embroiled in a dangerous labyrinth of lies and conspiracies and are forced to try and escape the country, with only each other to trust and rely on.” Denis is penning the script alongside Lea Mysius and Andrew Litvack.
Denis is re-teaming with her “High Life” star Robert Pattinson on the project. Emmy-nominated “Fosse/Verdon” actress Margaret Qualley, last seen in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” will play the female lead.
“Let the Sunshine In,” “35 Shots of Rum,” and “Beau travail” are among Denis’ many credits. The French filmmaker made her English-language debut with “High Life,” released in 2019.
