Since his 2011 Cannes breakout “Miss Bala,” Mexican director Gerardo Naranjo has shot episodes of “Narcos” and “Fear The Walking Dead” and done two more films, “Kokoloko” and “Vienna And The Fantomes.” Up next for Naranjo? Variety reports he’ll reunite with “Narcos” star Wagner Moura for “Say Her Name,” with “Andor‘ actress Adria Arjona also starring.
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Based on Francisco Goldman‘s 2011 novel of the same name, “Say Her Name” chronicles Goldman’s relationship with his wife, Aura Estrada. The couple meets and falls in love, but after Aura dies suddenly in a freak accident, her fiercely loyal mother blames Goldman for her daughter’s death. As Goldman works through his grief, he tries to mend ties with Aura’s family. While not confirmed, Moura likely plays Goldman, while Arjona plays Aura.
Goldman adapts his book for Naranjo’s film, which heads into production soon. “The film contains love and tragedy in equal parts,” said Naranjo in a press statement. “I love how Francisco and Aura’s relationship evolves from simple flirting to a meaningful universe they create together both in Mexico and in NYC, a love that changes both of their lives. Paradoxically, it is in Mexico’s idyllic playas that Aura dies tragically. The accident moves the story towards grief in the form of memory and nostalgia.”
“Say Her Name” is the latest film on Arjona and Moura’s busy acting schedules. Beyond “Andor,” Arjona’s best-known work includes HBO Max‘s “Father Of The Bride.” She also co-starred alongside Jared Leto in last year’s “Morbius.” Other recent work includes a small role in “Irma Vep” last year. Up next, Arjona shoots “Andor” Season 2, but also has two movies before then: Richard Linklater‘s action-comedy “Hitman” with Glen Powell, and Zoe Kravitz‘s buzzy directorial debut “Pussy Island.”
As for Moura, audiences know him best for his turn as infamous cartel kingpin Pablo Escobar on “Narcos.” Other recent work includes Olivier Assayas‘ Netflix movie “WASP Network” from 2019, “Sergio,” another Netflix movie opposite Ana de Armas.” He stars next in Alex Garland‘s “Civil War,” which may or may not be in theaters later this year.
With its leads, expect “Say Her Name” to attract some festival buzz once Naranjas wraps the film. But don’t expect it until 2024: maybe in competition at Cannes that year?