Fans have been treated to a first look at Aimee Lou Wood’s upcoming period drama The Idiot(s), which has also received an exciting update. Directed by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, it’s an adaptation of the book The Gambler Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky by Andrew D Kaufman.
It stars The White Lotus’ Wood as Anna Dostoyevsky, the second wife of famed Russian philosopher and writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, played by Johnny Flynn in the upcoming adaptation.
The film is set to have its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sunday, 17 September, which suggests its world premiere could take place at Telluride earlier in the month.
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The line-up for Telluride, which takes place from 4 to 7 September, remains a tightly guarded secret until the first morning of the festival, so film fans will need to wait a few weeks to find out if The Idiot(s) will be screened.
A first-look image on the TIFF website shows Wood and Flynn walking together in period costume, appearing concerned.
A synopsis for the film on the site says: “The Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky is renowned as one of the greatest writers and most influential thinkers of his time. However, behind the monolithic image of the literary giant is a lesser-known story, and next to the man through his most tumultuous times was the wife who supported him.
“Fyodor (Flynn) is a gambling addict, struggling to make money, delaying any type of creative spark, and generally lacking ambition to create his next work. The motivation he needs comes from Anna (Wood), who believes in him, his vision, and his art. With her backing he’s finally able to make something of himself and put out a new novel — The Idiot.
“Adapting the literary biography The Gambler Wife by Andrew D Kaufman, directors Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert showcase a story of a troubled artist with many demons and the woman who did her best to lift him up in spite of himself.”
Aurore Marechal/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
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The synopsis continues: “Wood and Flynn provide enigmatic and bold performances, bringing depth and heartfelt honesty to two people consumed by art but entangled in a chaotic relationship. While Fyodor had more notoriety, this is a fully realized portrait of Anna, who went on to become a powerful figure in her own right.”
Back in 2023, following the cast announcement for the film, Wood described the script as “brilliant”, saying (via Variety): “Within reading the first few pages of the brilliant script I felt beyond excited to play Anna and bring to life her mix of stoicism, eccentricity, mischief and wisdom.”
As well as Wood and Flynn, the cast includes Phantom Thread’s Vicky Krieps and The Zone of Interest’s Christian Friedel.
The Idiot(s) will have its Canadian premiere at Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, 17 September.
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Freelance Reporter, Digital Spy
Rebecca is a freelance journalist who specializes in TV and film. After beginning her career as a digital entertainment journalist for the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, she embarked on a freelance career in 2021 contributing to the likes of Metro UK, The Sun, WhatCulture, Screen Rant, FilmHounds Magazine and more.
Her particular field of interest is horror cinema and she has written for genre publications such as Ghouls Magazine and Moving Pictures Film Club.
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