Ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival tonight,Emma Watsondebuted the first trailer forColoniaon herFacebookpage earlier today. The film doesn’t have domestic distribution lined up at this time, but that could change after itsworld premierescreening tonight at TIFF. A chilling historical thriller, set in Chile in 1973,ColoniastarsEmma WatsonandDaniel Brühlas lovers caught in the crossfire of a murderous military coup - and eventually interned in a dangerous cult’s compound from which there seems to be no escape.
Lufthansa flight attendant Lena (Emma Watson) is in Santiago to visit her boyfriend, Daniel (Daniel Bruhl), a talented graphic artist creating images in support of embattled President Salvador Allende. When Allende is violently ousted, General Augusto Pinochet’s forces begin rounding up dissidents. Daniel is taken to the remote stronghold of Colonia Dignidad (“Dignity Colony”), home to a secret agricultural commune and crypto-fascist sect led by sinister minister Paul Schäfer (Michael Nyqvist).
Daniel is interrogated and tortured, but feigns severe mental deterioration to stay alive. Valiant and wily, Lena travels toColoniaand offers herself up to Schäfer as a follower. She is determined to find and free Daniel - but first she must ensure that she herself can survive Schäfer’s crushingly oppressive, viciously misogynistic practices. A blood-curdling unease pervadesColonia, and we are unable to tear ourselves away.
Vividly realized and briskly paced by directorFlorian Gallenberger(City of War: The Story of John Rabe), the film shifts seamlessly from love story to political drama to something akin to a horror movie, with Watson anchoring every sequence with her dynamic yet completely relatable central performance. Based on real people, places, and events, and shot through with brilliantly crafted storytelling,Coloniais an unforgettable tale of love and captivity set during one of the Cold War’s darkest chapters. The supporting cast includes Richenda Carey, Vicky Krieps, August Zirner and Martin Wuttke.
Emma Watsonrecently starred in theindiedramaRegression, and she will next be seen inBeauty and the Beast, alongsideLuke Evans,Ewan McGregor,Ian McKellenandJosh Gad.Daniel Brühlrecently wrapped production onCaptain America: Civil War, and he will next be seen inBurnt, alongsideBradley Cooper. Check out the trailer forColonia, and stay tuned to find out what studio will pick up this drama after it screens at TIFF tonight.
