If you haven’t seen or heard of the recent film “Apples,” you probably should seek it out. It’s the film by the first-time director, Christos Nikou, who is a sort of protege to Yorgos Lanthimos. And like his mentor, Nikou’s debut film is a strange, surreal trip that is easily one of the best films to debut on the festival circuit last year. And for Nikou’s follow-up, “Fingernails,” he’s been able to nab a star that is one of the best actors on the planet, Carey Mulligan, for what is sure to be yet another crazy feature.
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According to Deadline, Carey Mulligan has signed on to star in “Fingernails” from director Nikou and produced by Dirty Films partners Cate Blanchett, Coco Francini, and Andrew Upton (who all executive produced “Apples”). The feature is said to follow a young woman (Mulligan) that begins to wonder if her long-term relationship actually is a real thing. To test if the love affair is real, she enlists in a study at a mysterious institute that determines how much real love exists between partners.
“‘Fingernails’ explores the modern experience of falling in love at a time when – though it seems more accessible than ever – romance has become so uncertain, complicated, and elusive,” Nikou said. “We created the role of Anna with Carey Mulligan in mind and are thrilled that she said yes immediately. Carey is such a talented and magnetic actress, and I was blown away by her performance in ‘Promising Young Woman.’ I am more than excited to begin work with Carey and bring ‘Fingernails’ to life in collaboration with my producers Cate Blanchett, Coco Francini, and Andrew Upton at Dirty Films.”
Mulligan is all over the headlines right now thanks to her awards-worthy performance in the thriller, “Promising Young Woman.” That feature has earned rave reviews from just about everyone and has seemingly put her in prime position for another Oscar nomination.
However, there is also more news on the “Promising Young Woman” front, as Mulligan spoke in a Variety interview about one review for the film that became controversial for how it appeared to criticize the actress’ looks as one of the negative aspects of the film. And when you’re talking about a film that focuses on female-empowerment and misogyny, that’s not necessarily the route you want to take in your critique. Mulligan famously called that review out and brought more discussion to the film. And in the latest interview, she explains even more what hurt her about the specific critique of her looks.
“I feel it’s important that criticism is constructive. I think it’s important that we are looking at the right things when it comes to work, and we’re looking at the art and we’re looking at the performance,” she explained. “And I don’t think that goes to the appearance of the actor or your personal preference for what an actor does or doesn’t look like — which it felt that that article did. Which for me felt disappointing, because obviously, the film is tackling issues around our perceptions and our preconceived ideas about people.”
Mulligan added, “So I think in criticizing or bemoaning a lack of attractiveness on my part in a character, it wasn’t a personal slight. It didn’t wound my ego, but it made me concerned that in such a big publication an actress’s appearance could be criticized and it could be accepted as completely reasonable criticism…I didn’t know what the reaction would be to my sort of saying that. Sort of nerve-racking to rock the boat with a big publication. But at the same time, it feels like, you’ve got to stand up for these things. Otherwise, it continues and then you’re essentially part of it. So I was really sort of surprised and thrilled and happy to have received an apology. I kind of found it moving, in a way — to draw a line and know that had an impact.”
“Promising Young Woman” is available now on PVOD, and there is no expected release date yet for “Fingernails.”
