Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal will reunite for "Hold on to Your Angels," marking a significant return to narrative cinema for director Benh Zeitlin. Plan B Entertainment, Brad Pitt's production company, is backing the project as Zeitlin's first feature film since "Callie & Ava" in 2020.
Buckley and Mescal previously shared the screen in "Hamnet," the 2023 film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel that earned the actress a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of Anne Hathaway. Their chemistry in that period drama demonstrated their ability to anchor intimate, character-driven narratives. Zeitlin, known for his distinctive visual style and magical-realist sensibilities in films like "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "The Shape of Water" (which he co-wrote), brings considerable creative prestige to the partnership.
The project arrives during a period of robust output from Plan B, which has become increasingly active in prestige independent filmmaking beyond Pitt's acting roles. The company's involvement signals confidence in Zeitlin's vision, even as the director enters a new chapter following a relatively quiet period in his feature-film career.
Details about "Hold on to Your Angels" remain sparse, but the pairing of two of contemporary cinema's most compelling actors with a visionary director suggests an ambitious undertaking. Buckley has demonstrated range across drama, horror, and literary adaptation. Mescal continues building a diverse portfolio following his breakout in "Aftersun" and performances in prestige projects including Denis Villeneuve's "Gladiator II."
Zeitlin's signature style, characterized by poetic imagery and emotional depth, positions this film as a potential vehicle for both leads to explore complex emotional terrain. The arrangement reflects broader industry trends toward pairing established auteurs with A-list talent in smaller-scale productions that prioritize artistic vision over franchise spectacle.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Zeitlin's return to features with two acclaimed actors and major studio backing positions