Watch: Tommy Lee Jones & Hilary Swank Square Off In First Clip From Cannes Drama 'The Homesman'

The Homesman

Even with two Oscars above her fireplace, it has been a long time since Hilary Swank appeared in anything Academy Award worthy, or even Cannes Film Festival worthy. But that’s about to change with her lead role in “The Homesman,” the sophomore feature film from actor/director Tommy Lee Jones. This is one we’re already anticipating on the Croisette, and a clip is here to show off the deft blend of tones Jones is bringing to his latest effort.

The story itself is intriguing enough, following a pioneer woman who saves the life of a miner left for dead in exchange for his help escorting three clinically insane woman from Nebraska to Iowa. And as you’ll see in the clip, the movie isn’t without humor, with Jones’ trademark cantankerousness lightening the mood as Swank’s tough-as-nails character negotiates the terms of their agreement. It’s pretty good stuff, as is the cast, which features Meryl Streep, Hailee Steinfeld, William Fichtner, John Lithgow, Tim Blake Nelson, James Spader, Grace Gummer and Miranda Otto.

No U.S. release date yet, but hopefully details on that soon. Watch below. [Deadline]