Acclaimed English model and actress Cara Delevingne has been cast alongside Shailene Woodley in the forthcoming biographical drama based on Patricia Highsmith’s life, titled “The Murderous Miss Highsmith.” The film aims to explore Highsmith’s early life, career beginnings, and the fervent romantic relationships with two women that inspired her to pen “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
An Unconventional Love Story
Woodley, best known for her roles in “The Divergent Series” and “Big Little Lies,” will portray the renowned author, while Delevingne and Noémie Merlant, recognized from “Portrait Of A Lady On Fire,” will be playing her lovers. Not your typical biopic, “The Murderous Miss Highsmith” is expected to be filmed in the style of a horror movie, highlighting Highsmith’s fascination with violent crimes.
A Deep Dive into Highsmith’s Persona
In addition to its thrilling narrative, the movie will delve into the American novelist’s complex love life and its impact on her persona. Highsmith, a lesbian author known for her explorations of identity and morality in literature, was lauded as “the poet of apprehension.” Her popularity soared with her creation of the character Tom Ripley and her authorship of “The Price of Salt,” later renamed “Carol.”
Alexandra Pechman will direct the film, with Christine Vachon and Gabriel Mayers serving as producers. Filming is scheduled to commence this fall in Italy.
Before joining “The Murderous Miss Highsmith,” Delevingne gained recognition for her performances in “Paper Towns,” “Suicide Squad,” and “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” She also starred in Prime Video’s “Carnival Row” and recently appeared in “Only Murders in the Building.” As for Woodley, her expansive career spans both television and film, including prominent roles in “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” and “Big Little Lies.”
At the time of writing, the release date for “The Murderous Miss Highsmith” remains undisclosed.