Maria Semple’s novel “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” has spent a year on The New York Times Bestseller List, the NPR Bestseller list, and now is moving on to the big screen. Due out next March, the film is already getting some major buzz due to the big names attached.
As seen in the new trailer, the story of ‘Bernadette’ follows a twisting, complex path through the lives of one family after the odd disappearance of architect, wife, and mother. With overseas scams, trips to Antarctica, and the everyday social interactions we all go through (and sometimes want to avoid), “Where’d You Go Bernadette” is promising to be hilarious and dramatic. Most of the plot is told through documents from these people’s lives, from letters to report cards, like piecing together a narrative similar to how Bee, Bernadette’s daughter, is trying to piece together what happened to her mother. It will be interesting to see how this manner of written storytelling will translate over to the big screen; if anything, it at least leaves room for creativity from director Richard Linklater.
Linklater directed comedies like “Dazed and Confused” and “School of Rock,” but is probably most known for his 12-year passion project, “Boyhood.” That film, unique for its impulsive script and years-long dedication, swept through the 2014 awards circuit with great critical acclaim. Linklater will also have a hand in the screenplay, with Maria Semple staying close by as executive producer. It’s always a good sign when the book’s author is involved with the movie, and with Semple, she has more than enough experience with Hollywood. Her writing credits include episodes for “Arrested Development,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Saturday Night Live,” and “Mad About You” for which she was nominated for an Emmy.
Starring in the lead role as Bernadette will be the talented Cate Blanchett (“Ocean’s 8,” “Thor: Ragnarok”) with Billy Crudup as her husband. The cast list will also include Kristin Wiig, Judy Greer, Laurence Fishburne, and newcomer Emma Nelson as Bernadette’s daughter Bee.
“Where’d You Go, Bernadette” is set to be out March 22, 2019.