Independent has picked up international sales duties on “The Escape,” a drama about a woman who abandons her husband and children. The film, which is directed by Dominic Savage (“Love+Hate,” “Freefall”), stars Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper. It will be introduced to buyers at Toronto.
Arterton stars in Toronto festival entry “Their Finest,” while Cooper is a hit on AMC’s “Preacher.”
” ‘The Escape’ will be an exploration of marriage and motherhood,” said Arterton. “It is frank, honest and unapologetically from the woman’s point of view. It will be extremely personal. I look forward to embarking on it, surrounded by people I trust and who understand the intention, and to digging deep and finding truth.”
The production team have workshopped the script for several months, and shooting is scheduled for October in the U.K. and France.
The film is produced by Guy Heeley (“Locke,” “London Spy”) for Shoebox Films. Lorton, founded by Julian Bird, is financing and taking U.K. distribution rights.
Director of photography Laurie Rose (“Free Fire,” “High-Rise”) is on board, as is editor David Charap (“Sunset Song,” “The Woman in the Fifth”). The casting director is Shaheen Baig (“A Monster Calls,” “Locke,” “Free Fire”). Costumes will be designed by Liza Bracey (“The Girl With All the Gifts,” “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”).
Independent’s managing director Andrew Orr said: “The Escape” deals with a subject that is “still very much taboo in our society – a woman who loves her children but does not feel fulfilled by the role of being a mother.”
Savage said: “I look forward to embarking on a journey of truth and revelation that will tell this important story of motherhood, marriage, responsibility and freedom.”
Arterton is represented by Independent and CAA. Cooper is represented by Markham, Froggatt & Irwin and CAA.
