Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín is perhaps one of the most versatile filmmakers we have. His career includes the political marketing drama, “No,” the surrealist biopic, “Neruda,” the psychological horror and Stephen King adaptation, “Lisey’s Story” series, and the searing relationship drama, “Ema” to name just a few. But in his ascendence to Hollywood and working with some of the best actresses in the world, he’s also pivoted to some incredible artful films about the complicated lives of various famous female figures: Natalie Portman in “Jackie” about Jacqueline Kennedy, “Spencer” with Kristen Stewart about Princess Diana, and now his latest, “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie.
Premiering on Netflix later this year, “Maria” is what Larraín has described as the final installment of his unofficial trilogy about complex and tragic female figures. The film centers on the life of Maria Callas, American-Greek soprano one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century.
There’s already Oscar talk for Jolie as the film debuted earlier this year at the Venice and Telluride Film Festivals. On top of Jolie, “Maria” also co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Haluk Bilginer.
Produced byJuan De Dios Larraín, Jonas Dornbach, Lorenzo Mieli, and Larraín, the filmmaker reunites with cinematographer Ed Lachman (“Far From Heaven,” “Carol”), who shot his last picture, “El Conde” which was also a Netflix release.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Academy Award-winner Angelina Jolie is Maria Callas, one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century in acclaimed director Pablo Larrain’s operatic MARIA. The film follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. MARIA reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life.
Netflix will release “Maria” in select theaters in the U.S. on November 27 and on Netflix in the U.S. on December 11. Watch the full official trailer below.