Movies

Lesley Manville’s “truly original” British spy thriller is one you’ll want to watch out for

BBG News

Keep an eye out for the upcoming spy thriller titled “Winter of the Crow“, starring Lesley Manville, which is sure to be a must-watch for enthusiasts.

As I eagerly anticipate the upcoming flick, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement knowing it’s based on “Professor Andrews Goes to Warsaw,” a captivating short story penned by the esteemed Polish Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk. In this gripping tale, I step into the shoes of a psychiatry professor who unwittingly gets caught up in the tumultuous events unfolding in Warsaw when martial law is suddenly enforced in 1981, leaving me stranded and struggling to find my way back home.

The story initially appeared in print back in 1998, and later found its place in Olga Tokarczuk’s book titled “Playing on a Multitude of Drums,” published in 2002. In this narrative, the main character, who is referred to as a professor in the original version, is a man; however, the upcoming movie has chosen to reinterpret the role with Keira Knightley portraying the lead character Dr. Joan Andrews, who is female.

What to Read Next

The film “Winter of the Crow” will be steered by Kasia Adamik, a director known for episodes in the Netflix series “1983”, along with the movie “Bark!”. The script is penned by Sandra Buchta.

The film is produced by Olga Chajdas, Stanislaw Dziedzic, Katarzyna Ozga, Nicolas Steil, and Sam Taylor, with Agnieszka Holland serving as an executive producer. Additionally, the movie has received support from the UK Global Screen Fund, a program designed to enhance international film opportunities for the UK’s independent production industry.

As a devoted admirer, I’ve expressed my deeply emotional bond with the narrative of Professor Andrews Goes to Warsaw. In a recent declaration, I articulated:

“This tale holds a profoundly intimate significance for me.

Growing up, I resided in a suburb of Warsaw. Upon moving to the West, I often found myself nostalgic for the maze of grey apartment blocks, an eerie, unclaimed territory filled with constant construction sites that resembled the setting from Terry Gilliam’s movie, “Brazil.

Currently, Professor Andrews finds herself in a surreal landscape of mine – an enigma that blends reality with fantasy. Here, logic seems to take a back seat while the strange and bizarre hold sway. It’s a realm where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.

In “Winter of the Crow,” we follow Dr. Andrews’ journey, who lands in Poland as a visiting professor at the university. However, things take a turn for the worse when the nation is placed under military rule in 1981, placing Dr. Andrews in peril.

After taking pictures of a student being murdered by a clandestine policeman, she subsequently finds herself as a pursued outlaw, fleeing to save her own life.

Joan frantically weaves through the complex network of Warsaw’s streets in a race against time to catch the final flight. The British Ambassador (Tom Burke) may potentially aid her, yet the question remains: can he rely on those alongside him? [The storyline unfolds further.]

Driven by an unexpected sense of moral integrity, Joan gathers the strength and resolve to attempt outwitting an oppressive government in order to champion justice for her recently acquired Polish companions.

Despite this harsh oppression, will she find a way to escape and safely release those damning photographs to the public?

Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, pointed out: “The Cold War spy thriller, Winter of the Crow, stands out as uniquely original because its lead character is an ordinary woman thrust into an extraordinary circumstance, where she must rise to the occasion and make a significant impact. Lesley Manville promises to deliver an exceptional performance, and we’re excited to share sneak peeks of this remarkable movie.

When will Winter of the Crow be released?

The planned release date for “Winter of the Crow” hasn’t been disclosed as of now, but if everything goes smoothly with the post-production process of this upcoming thriller, we might expect it to hit the screens in 2026.

The filming was done between late 2023 and early 2024, with various scenes captured in Poland, Luxembourg, and Bristol, operating under the temporary name “The Lecture.

Who else is in Winter of the Crow?

Alongside Manville, other major confirmed cast members include:

1. Tom Burke, from the film “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” takes on the role of the British Ambassador.
2. In the series “The Romanoffs,” Zofia Wichłacz is portrayed as Alina.
3. Andrzej Konopka, known for “Nina,” plays Henryk.
4. Rhianne Barreto, from “The Outlaws,” acts as Livia.
5. Sascha Ley, seen in “Hannah Arendt,” portrays Beata.
6. Magdalena Smalara, starring in “The Revenge,” takes on the role of Krystina.
7. Julian Nest, from “The Merchant of Venice,” plays Dan Southerton.
8. Miron Jagniewski, featured in “Prime Time,” acts as Jan.

Winter of the Crow does not yet have a confirmed release date.

Experience Digital Spy’s inaugural print magazine, “British Comedy Legends,” available for purchase at your local newsstand or online! It’s priced at just £7.99.

Read More

2025-05-12 14:00

Previous post Tammy Hembrow Leaves Little to Imagination in Sheer Outfit at Fashion Week with Sister Emilee
Next post Kumome delivers a mythological card-and-board game journey, out now on iOS