Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Jaume Collett-Serra, known for his work on films like "Carry-On" and "The Woman in the Yard," is diving into the world of World War II with his gripping new thriller, "Play Dead," produced by the legendary Sam Raimi. According to Variety, this adrenaline-pumping film is currently in post-production and is set to make its debut at the European Film Market soon.
Starring Matthias Schweighöfer from "Army of the Dead" alongside Noah Jupe, who has appeared in "The Carpenter’s Son" and "A Quiet Place," "Play Dead" is crafted from a screenplay by Natalie Conway and Peter Stanley-Ward. The plot centers around an Allied soldier who, after being caught in an ambush, must pretend to be dead in order to survive.
Described as a "white-knuckle thriller" reminiscent of both "Don’t Breathe" and "1917," this film promises to deliver intense action and emotional depth. Produced by Nocturnal along with BoulderLight Pictures, Bad Grey, and Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures, the collaborative effort is sure to captivate audiences.
Collett-Serra expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "‘Play Dead’ is a script that feels distinctly cinematic, designed to evoke tension and atmosphere. What instantly drew me in was its precision—every scene builds upon the last, and every moment counts. I found myself racing through the pages, eager to discover what would unfold next. One minute I was engulfed in suspense, and the next, I was overwhelmed with emotion."
Sam Raimi added his perspective, saying, "Jaume and his cast transform the tense emotional screenplay of ‘Play Dead’ into a powerful experience filled with suspense and outstanding performances."
Nocturnal producers Keaton Heinrichs and Akiva Nemetsky shared their enthusiasm, asserting, "From the very first read, we recognized that ‘Play Dead,’ with its striking set pieces and relentless tension, was a film we had to create. Jaume is the ideal director for this project; he possesses a unique talent for crafting tension with accuracy, and his execution of the script showcases his prowess as an extraordinary filmmaker. We are thrilled to introduce ‘Play Dead’ as our inaugural film under the Nocturnal label."
In addition to "Play Dead," Collett-Serra is also working on a reimagining of "Cliffhanger," which is scheduled for release this coming summer.
As a horror journalist and a member of the Critics Choice Association, I've explored numerous facets of the genre. I've contributed to PBS series like "Monstrum," served on the jury for SXSW Midnighter shorts, and moderated engaging horror panels at events such as WonderCon, SeriesFest, and the Popcorn Frights Film Fest.
