Ben Wheatley’s New Film Revealed As ‘Happy New Year, Colin Burstead’
Over the past few years,Ben Wheatleyhas proven himself to be one of the most exciting — and efficient — British directors working today, pumping out new movies on the regular. But after the release ofHigh Risein 2016 andFree Firea year later, Wheatley went quiet. That is, untilan inconspicuous Instagram postrevealed that Wheatley was midway through shooting a new project tentatively titledColin You Anus.
But now, we know the actual title of Wheatley’s new film. The secret Wheatley film has been revealed to be titledHappy New Year, Colin Bursteadthrough the BFI London Film Festival’s announcement of its competition slate. And that’s how you make noise in the crowded film festival season.
The BFI London Film Festival (viaThe Playlist) announced its official competition slate, revealing that Wheatley’s secret film is a dramedy titledHappy New Year, Colin Burstead. The film — which boasts a much more generally acceptable title than the original — will be a bit of a departure for Wheatley, who has mostly dabbled in thrillers, horror movies, and action comedies.Happy New Year, Colin Bursteadwill follow the titular Colin and his dysfunctional family around New Year.
Here’s the logline forHappy New Year, Colin Bursteadaccording to the London Film Festival:
The World Premiere of HAPPY NEW YEAR, COLIN BURSTEAD is Ben Wheatley’s triumphant return to the Festival after Free Fire (LFF 2016). A poignantly funny and razor-sharp observation of English family dysfunction. Colin has rented a stately country home for his extended family’s New Year celebrations. He’s the centre of attention until his estranged brother David unexpectedly arrives, throwing the family dynamic far off orbit. Starring Joe Cole, Charles Dance, Mark Monero, Hayley Squires, Asim Chaudhry, Doon Mackichan, Bill Paterson, Neil Maskell and Sam Riley.
After being wowed by the taut, hysterical thriller that was last year’sFree Fire, I can’t wait to see what Wheatley has up his sleeves. Announcing the film in this manner is ballsy, and a smart way to draw eyes as Venice, Toronto, and Telluride prepare to take over festival season.
The BFI London Film Festival begins onOctober 10, 2018and will feature highly anticipated films such as Cannes breakoutBirds of Passage,Karyn Kusama’sDestroyer, Happy as Lazzaro,the Robert Redford-starringThe Old Man & the Gun, Peter Strickland’sIn Fabric, and more.
