Callum Turner, Riley Keough, and Elle Fanning are set to star in an upcoming psychological drama, Rosebush Pruning. Though not much is currently known about the film, it is set to be directed by Karim Aïnouz and will follow a script by Greek screenwriter Efthimis Filippou. The Brazilian director, whose film Firebrand starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander made waves at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, is known for his dramatic features and artisanal style. The film marks the first time that Turner, Keough, and Fanning have appeared in a project together—though they all have been in major productions of late with roles in Masters of the Air, Under the Bridge, and The Great, respectively. Here’s everything we know about Rosebush Pruning so far.
What is Rosebush Pruning about?
Filippou’s script will draw on elements from the 1965 Italian film Fists in the Pocket by director Marco Bellocchio. Though little is known about the plot of Rosebush Pruning, its Italian inspiration follows an epileptic man who plots the murder of his dysfunctional family—so we’re expecting it to be dark, dramatic, and intense.
“Marco Bellocchio’s astonishing debut, Fists in the Pocket, was released over 50 years ago and had a huge impact on Italian cinema and storytelling at the time,” Aïnouz explained. “I’m excited to be collaborating with Efthimis Filippou to revisit this iconic work to create a contemporary parable about the death of the traditional patriarchal family—which I hope will be touching and provocative in equal measure.”
The original was met with some controversy upon release but is now considered a landmark in Italian cinema. At 83, Bellocchio is still active today. His latest film, Kidnapped, premiered just yesterday at Cannes.
Who is in the cast of Rosebush Pruning?
Turner, Keough, and Fanning will be joined by Jamie Bell, Lukas Gage, Tracy Letts, Elena Anaya, and Pamela Anderson in Rosebush Pruning.
In May 2023, Kristen Stewart and Josh O’Connor were originally reported to star in the project alongside Fanning. Turner and Keough replaced the two actors on September 26, 2024. According to Deadline, the change was seemingly due to scheduling issues as Stewart is currently “immersed” in producing her directorial effort, The Chronology of Water. Fanning is still attached to the project.
“I’m so excited to bring this audacious and delicious script to life, which challenges our notions of the traditional family and the patriarchy, with this brilliant ensemble of actors who I have long admired,” Aïnouz said in a statement amidst the cast switch up.
When will Rosebush Pruning be released?
Rosebush Pruning does not currently have a release date.
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