Claire Denis is set to direct a crime drama titled The Soap Maker.

Claire Denis is set to direct a crime drama titled The Soap Maker.

      Claire Denis, who will celebrate her 79th birthday this year, continues to be as active as ever. While filming Cry of the Guards, she is in talks to direct The Soap Maker, a modern reinterpretation of Mauro Bolognini’s 1977 horror film Gran Bollito, which is based on the true story of Leonarda Cianciulli—an Italian woman whose gruesome methods of killing three women involved turning their bodies into soaps, candles, and sweets for her community. The producers have secured the rights to both the original film and Cianciulli’s diaries, which, according to Variety, she wrote in the psychiatric institution where she spent the remainder of her life after admitting to her crimes. Their package, aimed at the European Film Market, draws comparisons to Silence of the Lambs, Se7en, and Get Out.

      What seems like an unusual combination at first actually aligns well when considering Denis’ body of work. At its core, her oeuvre explores the potential for relationships to descend into violence; Trouble Every Day captures the essence of horror perfectly, while 2013’s Bastards is equally unsettling and perhaps the finest example of her unique talents. It's difficult to appreciate her films without feeling at least a touch of excitement about this type of material in her capable hands, especially for fans of Tindersticks who might wonder about the atmospheres they could evoke.

Other articles

The trailer for Dope Thief features Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura entangled in a drug deal that takes a disastrous turn. The trailer for Dope Thief features Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura entangled in a drug deal that takes a disastrous turn. Apple TV+ has quietly released the trailer for Dope Thief, their newest notable TV series featuring Brian Tyree Henry (The Fire Inside) and Wagner Moura (Civil War) as two childhood friends entangled in a drug war. This series is a collaboration between Peter Craig (The Batman) and Ridley Scott, who directs the pilot. Trailer for "Eric LaRue," directed by Michael Shannon and featuring Judy Greer. Trailer for "Eric LaRue," directed by Michael Shannon and featuring Judy Greer. Magnolia Pictures has unveiled a poster and trailer for Eric LaRue, marking the directorial debut of Michael Shannon. The film, which is based on Brett Neveu’s 2002 play of the same name, features Judy Greer in the role of Janice, a mother attempting to find comfort in her faith as she navigates the consequences following her son's […]. Cleaner (2025) - Film Review Cleaner (2025) - Film Review Cleaner, 2025. Directed by Martin Campbell. Featuring Daisy Ridley, Clive Owen, Taz Skylar, Flavia Watson, Ray Fearon, Rufus Jones, Richard Hope, Lee Boardman, Stella Stocker, Atanas Srebrev, Celine Arden, Akie Kotabe, Poppy Townsend White, Andreea Diac, Rachel Kwok, Lorna Lowe, Cassandra Spiteri, Frances Katz, Mélissa Humler, Ben Essex, and Karin Carlson. SYNOPSIS: Criminal activists take control of […] Titan and Hard Case Crime reveal Heat Seeker: Exposed - A Gun Honey Series. Titan and Hard Case Crime reveal Heat Seeker: Exposed - A Gun Honey Series. Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime have revealed that their popular Gun Honey spinoff, Heat Seeker, will make a comeback in May with a brand-new four-issue series titled Heat Seeker: Exposed – A Gun Honey Series, written by Charles Ardai and illustrated by Ace Continuado. As an unyielding investigative reporter aims to unveil her illicit actions, the mistress [...] The Actor Trailer: Noir Drama Starring André Holland Debuts This March The Actor Trailer: Noir Drama Starring André Holland Debuts This March Following co-directing Anomalisa with Charlie Kaufman, there has been significant anticipation for Duke Johnson's upcoming feature The Actor. It has been ten years since the director's last film, and now the drama is slated for release by NEON, arriving sooner than anticipated. The noir, featuring André Holland, is set to hit theaters in less than a month, on March 14. Berlinale Review: Reflection in a Dead Diamond Delivers a Frenzied, Intense Assault on the Senses Berlinale Review: Reflection in a Dead Diamond Delivers a Frenzied, Intense Assault on the Senses Whether positive or negative, every critical assessment of Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani’s films ultimately converges on a common theme: their overwhelming passion for cinema. This observation is justified, as the Belgian duo's body of work—which now includes four feature films and several shorts— is filled with references to a seemingly infinite array of Italian giallos, including those by Mario Bava.

Claire Denis is set to direct a crime drama titled The Soap Maker.

Claire Denis, who will celebrate her 79th birthday this year, shows no signs of slowing down. While filming Cry of the Guards, she has begun discussions to direct The Soap Maker, which is a sort of modern take on Mauro Bolognini’s 1977 horror film Gran Bollito, inspired by the true story of Leonarda Cianciulli––an Italian woman known for murdering three women in a horrific manner.