Focus Features has slated Suffragette, starring Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, for an October 23 limited release. Inspired by the early-20th century campaign for women’s right to vote, the film sports potentially awards-friendly subject matter — not to mention a certain 19-time Oscar nominee. Ben Whishaw, Anne-Marie Duff and Brendan Gleeson co-star. Suffragette had a lot of positive buzz following buyers’ screenings in the U.S. and London last month.
Director Sarah Gavron’s pic centers on Maud (Mulligan), a working wife and mother who decides she must fight for her dignity both at home and in her workplace. Realizing she is not alone, she joins with several other women in becoming an activist. Those early efforts at resistance were passive, but the suffragettes become galvanized — risking it all for the cause of women’s right. Abi Morgan wrote the script. Focus also has rights for Latin America, India, South Korea and most of Eastern Europe including Russia. Universal Pictures International will release the film in those territories.
“Suffragette is a story that will resonate with men and women across the generations,” Focus CEO Peter Schlessel said when his company acquired the film last week. “It is about parents and children, courage and dedication and making hard choices.”
This sounds exciting. Can’t wait to see it. Love all of these actors.. (I think there were some men who helped the cause though too–maybe they’re in this film too?)