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Seance on a Wet Afternoon Reviews

Séance On a Wet Afternoon is a very welcome thriller. It is modestly made and carefully localised, with a good nervy script by the director and more visual character than any English film of its kind for ages.

Full Review | Mar 5, 2024

It stands by itself as not only a psychological suspense thriller but also a top-notch crime-and-detection tale and, above all, a horror film.

Full Review | Aug 15, 2022

I found the film dull because its theatrical conception robbed me of involvement with the characters.

Full Review | Jan 24, 2020

As a study in suspense, this film must surely be a kind of classic. It is also a perfect demonstration of the fact that the most effective suspense is invariably created in a low key and without any violence at all.

Full Review | Aug 30, 2019

Why didn't such dedicated artists ask themselves whether the fable on which they lavished their talents was worth representing in the first place?

Full Review | Aug 13, 2019

Rainy day or no, this is a film that can be enjoyed anytime one is inclined towards something dark and unsettling. Close the drapes, light a candle, and go wild.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 30, 2019

If one says that the best things about Séance on a Wet Afternoon are the performances of Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough and Bryan Forbes' script, this is not to decry Forbes' direction. In fact he does an excellent job.

Full Review | Feb 16, 2016

Creepy but engrossing Hitchcock-like suspense story.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Oct 27, 2015

Highly effective psychological thriller, with a stunning star turn from Kim Stanley.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 24, 2015

Kim Stanley received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for playing a disturbed medium who conspires a kidnap in Bryan Forbes' erie and suspensuful tale.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Apr 29, 2011

Riveting thriller about a kidnapping that goes wrong

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 28, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 21, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 2, 2005

The undertakings are as spooky as the title; Kim Hunter shines; and the theme song haunts your mind.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 18, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 22, 2003

The film's extraordinary power derives from the way in which actress Kim Stanley convinces us of her character's conviction, no matter how misguided and, ultimately, pathetic.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 22, 2002

It's a claustrophobic experience and an interesting study of grief-induced insanity, but the pacing is the obvious reason why you've never heard of this film before.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 8, 2002

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 29, 2002

Seance on a Wet Afternoon

This is a skillful and, on many counts, admirable picture. Bryan Forbes' writing and direction create an aptly clammy atmosphere and he's backed by some shrewd thesping.

By Variety Staff

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This is a skillful and, on many counts, admirable picture. Bryan Forbes’ writing and direction create an aptly clammy atmosphere and he’s backed by some shrewd thesping.

Onus of the acting falls heavily on Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough . Yet though she is an exciting actress to watch, she is much Method, and technicalities occasionally get in the way.

It throws extra responsibility on Attenborough as her weak, loving and downtrodden husband. Here is a splendid piece of trouping which rings true throughout.

The star is a medium of dubious authenticity, who inveigles her spouse into a nutty plan which she confidently believes will give her the recognition due to her. Idea is to ‘borrow’ a child, make out it has been kidnapped, collect the ransom loot and wait for the story to pump up to front page sensation. Then she aims to hold a seance and reveal clues which will enable the cops to find the child unharmed.

Popular on Variety

The film throughout is pitched in sombre key with much macabre reference to a son that the couple never had but in whom Stanley implicitly believes. The dankness of the house in which her shabby machinations evolve is well caught, thanks to deft artwork and Gerry Turpin’s searching camera.

Forbes’ well-written, imaginative script [from the novel by Mark McShane] is a study in grey, abetted by the fine lensing of Turpin. An exciting, ingenious highspot involves complicated production when Attenborough is due to collect the ransom money. It was shot with hidden cameras in Leicester Square and Piccadilly at London’s busiest hour. Result is an air of intense, exciting realism. So realistic, in fact, that parts of it had to be reshot.

1964: Nomination: Best Actress (Kim Stanley)

• Production: Beaver. Director Bryan Forbes; Producer Richard Attenborough; Screenplay Bryan Forbes; Camera Gerry Turpin; Editor Derek York; Music John Barry; Art Director Ray Simm
• Crew: (B&W) Available on VHS. Extract of a review from 1964. Running time: 116 MIN.
• With: Kim Stanley Richard Attenborough Nanette Newman Patrick Magee Mark Eden

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Seance on a Wet Afternoon Review

19 Jun 1964

115 minutes

Seance on a Wet Afternoon

A forgotten but** **powerful British thriller that merges deep-set Gothic gloom with stark social realism, this sees Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough concoct a plan to enhance her status as a medium.

They will kidnap a girl, then Stanley will miraculously find her — a ploy undermined by her mental fragility and his growing misgivings. The plot thickens as we discover that the couple lost a son in childbirth, called Arthur who is supposed to be the wife's spirit guide.

Two strikingly glum performances are matched by the seedy, seething atmosphere of a loveless Britain.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon [1964] Review– A Visually Entrancing and Superbly Written Character Study

What we are doing is a means to an end. Now you agree with the end, don’t you? Well then you must agree with the means. You can’t have one without the other.

British film-makers of the late 1950s and early 1960s brilliantly captured the sociological situation of the people, who were still experiencing the transformative impact of World War II. This form of social realist pictures, nicknamed ‘kitchen-sink drama’ and often set in the grimy tenements, presented its unvarnished, disillusioned characters with a vital air of authenticity. English film-makers like Lindsay Anderson, however, focused on both social realism and the psychological realism of an individual. For instance, Anderson’s renowned movie, This Sporting Life (1963) carefully examined its young central character’s inner conflicts (or fractured psyche) alongside the social pressures. Bryan Forbes is one of the British screenwriters and directors to depart from social realism and concentrate more on the psychological realism of his emotionally disturbed (or neurotic) characters. His best work, Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964), although considered as a kidnap thriller, is actually a fascinating character study of a delusional, grief-ridden woman.

The biggest strength of Séance on a Wet Afternoon is the way it slowly builds the psychological portrait of Myra, the protagonist, while on the other hand Forbes briskly handles the kidnapping plot. Based on a novel by Mark McShane and adapted to screen by Bryan Forbes, the film revolves around a middle-aged couple, Myra Savage (Kim Stanley) and Henry ‘Bill’ Savage (Richard Attenborough). When the narrative opens, a small group of people move out of Savages’ intimidating Victorian household (probably inherited) after the weekly Wednesday afternoon séance session.

Billy can’t work due to his asthmatic condition, but Myra’s work as medium keeps them away from financial troubles. Myra’s ‘spirit guide’ is her dead son, Arthur. She evidently dominates the household as Billy succumbs to her demands. But one of Myra’s recent demands spooks the mild-mannered Billy. Yet he capitulates and takes his motorcycle (with an enclosed sidecar) to do the necessary.

Related to Seance on a Wet Afternoon: A Fugitive from the Past [1965] Review – Probing the Postwar Devastation of Japan through Thriller Framework

Billy proceeds to kidnap the child (Judith Donner) of the Claytons, a wealthy industrialist family. Despite few glitches, the kidnapping act succeeds. The precocious child named Amanda is placed in Arthur’s room, which is made to look like a hospital room. The Savages dress up as doctor and nurse, and tell the kid that she has come down with German measles. At the same time, Billy and Myra write down a ransom note asking for huge sum of money. Nevertheless, Myra just doesn’t seem to be after money. She visits the Claytons’ house, introducing herself as a professional medium.

Myra probably wants to help the aggrieved parents to find their child and advertise to the world the power of her psychic abilities. Mr. Clayton (Mark Eden) gets irritated by Myra’s vague, roundabout way of interpreting their child’s current predicament. But teary-eyed Mrs. Clayton (Nanette Newman) warms up to Myra’s message of hope. Later, Billy collects the money from Mr. Clayton and cleverly dodges the lawmen lying in wait. Myra now just has to bestow the Claytons with the truth of her gift. Alas, she now has second thoughts about doing that.

A criminal act is committed early in the narrative which makes the central characters sort of irredeemable in our eyes. Yet, this isn’t a film that dabbles with conventional distinctions of good and bad. In fact, as the narrative progresses despite Myra’s mentally unstable reasoning (freed from understanding the moral implications) we slowly sympathize with her desire for recognition. Myra starts off as a dominant character, deftly manipulating her husband. But writer/director Forbes impeccably reveals her fragility throughout the final act, getting into the depths of her personal trauma. She becomes child-like reminding us of Bette Davis’ character in ‘What Happened to Baby Jane?’ .

Attenborough’s Billy was also richly characterized. He starts off as a weak-willed person doing his best to not upset his wife. However, by the end, Billy could be perceived in a different light: a caring husband making an effort to save his wife from madness. In spite of carrying out a criminal act, his moral compass doesn’t get distorted. And Forbes’ layered characterizations perfectly work due to the amazing performances of Kim Stanley (received a Oscar nomination) and Attenborough.

Kim Stanley provides Myra with a calm and controlled exterior in the initial scenes. Gradually, she takes us into the dark, deformed corners of her mind without going for an over-the-top performance. In the hands of a wrong actor, the character could come across as pathetic and ridiculous, whereas Kim extracts our deepest sympathy as well as scares us with her sinister plans. Richard Attenborough (also the co-producer) is equally complex and subtle in his performance as Billy Savage.

Prior to Séance on a Wet Afternoon, Mr. Attenborough has co-produced three films with Bryan Forbes – The Angry Silence (1960), Whistle Down the Wind (1961), and The L-Shaped Room (1962). The Angry Silence which takes a look at the corruption within the workers’ union was written by Forbes, but directed by Guy Green (‘A Patch of Blue’). The other two films were written and directed by Forbes (based on novels). Both Whistle Down the Wind and Séance on a Wet Afternoon made good use of its hauntingly bleak atmosphere.

Cinematographer Gerry Turpin and director Forbes skillfully used the shadowy, claustrophobic atmosphere (Savages’ joyless household) to create tension, forgoing the temptations to go for overtly stylistic camera tricks. Furthermore, Forbes instills a realistic as well as thrilling edge to the proceedings by staging the scenes in busy city squares and tube stations. By revealing nothing about the kidnapping plot, Forbes extracts lot of suspense from each of Billy’s actions.

Billy’s journey in the motorcycle which he eventually hides it behind a dilapidated building; his walk to the school and the quick cuts of Billy’s tense visage when he sees children, happily shouting, emerging out of the school premise; his smooth maneuver to draw away the chauffeur that allows him to drive off with the child in the limousine; then when the car speeds off the highway, Forbes cuts between the girl child’s silent screams (silent because of the glass paneling that separates the front and back seats) and Billy’s increasing panic; the girl’s shrewd actions when the limousine reaches the secluded place; the appearance of little boys searching for the ball – Forbes keeps building the thrill with such dense accumulation of details.

Also Read: National Identity In The Romantic Aesthetic of Michael Powell

The money exchange scene was staged in an equally fascinating manner; the screaming sound of tube trains adds to the disorienting effect. Moreover, Forbes is careful to not let the poignant notes in the narrative – especially Mrs. Clayton’s agonized presence during the séance session – metamorphose into melodrama.One of the intriguing ambiguous elements in the narrative is Forbes’ decision to not explain whether Myra’s ‘gift’ is real or not. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s loose adaption of the same Mark McShane novel in 2000 wasn’t blessed with such ambiguity. Even though Myra’s sanity is put into question, Forbes doesn’t allow us to totally dismiss her as a fake medium.

Overall, Séance on a Wet Afternoon (115 minutes) is a nuanced and expertly crafted psychological thriller that doubles up as the intense study of an individual’s deluded psyche.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964) Links: IMDb , Rotten Tomatoes , Letterboxd

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Arun Kumar is an ardent cinebuff, who likes to analyze movie to its minute detail. He believes in the transformative power and shared-dream experience of cinema.

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Seance on a Wet Afternoon

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• Duration: 116 mins

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• Director: Bryan Forbes
• Screenwriter: Bryan Forbes
• Kim Stanley
• Richard Attenborough
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• Judith Donner
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Seance on a Wet Afternoon Reviews

• 1 hr 55 mins
• Drama, Suspense
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A psychic manipulates her spineless husband into a kidnapping-for-ransom scheme that will boost her credibility.

In this eerie tale, Myra Savage (Kim Stanley), a medium, claims contact with "the other side" through her late son Arthur, a stillborn child whose death Myra cannot come to accept. Myra's husband, Billy (Richard Attenborough, the British actor who would later direct MAGIC, CRY FREEDOM and GANDHI), does his best to keep her happy, knowing well that she is walking a tightrope between insanity and rationality. He is a weak man and adores Myra, so he can deny her nothing. Myra would like some publicity for her flagging business, so she concocts a plan to have Billy kidnap a wealthy child and collect his ransom. Myra will then offer the services of her psychic powers to the bereaved family and, of course, "find" the child. An atmospheric film, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON succeeds because of Bryan Forbes' excellent direction and the superb performances of both Kim Stanley (in a rare film appearance) and Attenborough (who also produced). While the film can be slow going in spots, Stanley's portrayal of the emotionally unfit Myra Savage is riveting as she gradually loses her grip on reality and slips into a dark psychological abyss.

Review: 1964’s ‘Séance on a Wet Afternoon’ is Incredibly and Aggressively British

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Séance on a Wet Afternoon is a 1964 British film directed by Bryan Forbes, based on the novel by Mark McShane, in which an unstable medium convinces her husband to kidnap a child so she can help the police solve the crime and achieve renown for her abilities. The film stars Richard Attenborough (who was also the film's co-producer), Kim Stanley, Nanette Newman, Mark Eden and Patrick Magee.

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Séance on a Wet Afternoon

Directed by Bryan Forbes • 1964 • United Kingdom Starring Kim Stanley, Richard Attenborough, Margaret Lacey

The medium is the menace in this hair-raising suspense classic. In one of her precious few screen roles, stage legend and renowned Method actor Kim Stanley delivers an electrifying, Academy Award–nominated performance as an unstable psychic who coerces her husband (Richard Attenborough) into kidnapping a young girl as part of a scheme to achieve fame by helping the police investigation. Moody cinematography and an ominous Victorian house setting lend a surfeit of atmosphere to this tour de force of psychological tension.

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42 Facts About The Movie Seance On A Wet Afternoon

Written by Andi Slater

Modified & Updated: 31 May 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Seance on a Wet Afternoon is a gripping psychological thriller that has captivated audiences since its release. Directed by Bryan Forbes and released in 1964, this British film stands the test of time and continues to be hailed as a masterpiece. Set in rainy London, the movie tells the haunting story of a disturbed medium named Myra Savage, played brilliantly by Kim Stanley, who concocts a twisted plan to gain fame and fortune.

With its atmospheric cinematography, mesmerizing performances, and an intricate plot filled with surprising twists and turns, Seance on a Wet Afternoon is a must-watch for any movie lover. In this article, we will delve into 42 fascinating facts about this extraordinary film, shedding light on its production, cast, and the enduring impact it has had on the world of cinema. So, sit back , relax, and prepare to be fascinated by these little-known tidbits about Seance on a Wet Afternoon.

Key Takeaways:

• Seance on a Wet Afternoon is a chilling psychological thriller from 1964, known for its haunting atmosphere, unexpected twists, and captivating performance by Kim Stanley.
• The film delves into themes of obsession, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fabrication, making it a timeless and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

The movie Seance on a Wet Afternoon was released in 1964.

Set in London, this atmospheric film is a chilling exploration of a fake spiritualist medium and her sinister plot to gain fame and fortune .

It stars the talented actress Kim Stanley as Myra Savage.

Kim Stanley delivers a mesmerizing performance as the disturbed and manipulative medium, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal.

The film is based on Mark McShane’s novel of the same name.

Mark McShane’s compelling novel served as the foundation for this dark and thrilling cinematic adaptation .

The screenplay for Seance on a Wet Afternoon was written by Bryan Forbes.

Bryan Forbes skillfully adapted McShane’s novel into a screenplay that captures the unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth of the story.

The film won the Silver Lion award at the 1964 Venice Film Festival.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was recognized for its exceptional storytelling and powerful performances, earning the prestigious Silver Lion award.

The movie was a critical success.

Critics praised Seance on a Wet Afternoon for its haunting atmosphere, intense performances, and thought-provoking exploration of obsession and deception.

It was nominated for two Academy Awards.

The film received nominations for Best Actress (Kim Stanley) and Best Adapted Screenplay, further highlighting its quality and impact.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was nominated for three BAFTA Awards.

The British Academy Film Awards recognized the film’s excellence, with nominations for Best British Actress ( Kim Stanley), Best Film, and Best British Screenplay.

The atmospheric cinematography adds to the film’s eerie tone.

The dark and moody visuals, captured by Gerry Turpin, contribute to the overall sense of unease and suspense throughout the movie.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was made on a modest budget.

Despite its limited resources, the film proves that masterful storytelling and compelling performances can create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The musical score was composed by John Barry.

John Barry’s haunting and atmospheric score enhances the tension and adds to the overall sense of unease in the film.

The movie was not a commercial success upon its initial release.

Despite critical acclaim, Seance on a Wet Afternoon struggled to find a wide audience during its initial run.

It gained a cult following over the years.

Over time, the film has gained recognition and a dedicated following for its atmospheric storytelling and standout performances.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon delivers unexpected twists and turns.

The film keeps audiences guessing with its intricate plot and surprises around every corner.

Myra Savage’s character is both complex and disturbing.

Kim Stanley’s portrayal of Myra Savage is truly unnerving, showcasing the depth of her talent as an actress.

The film explores themes of obsession and delusion.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon delves into the dark recesses of the human mind, delving into the consequences of unchecked obsession and self-delusion.

It showcases the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

The film examines the extreme measures individuals may resort to in order to fulfill their deepest desires and ambitions .

Seance on a Wet Afternoon has been praised for its realistic depiction of mental illness.

The film offers a nuanced portrayal of mental illness, highlighting the complexities and struggles faced by those affected.

It maintains a sense of suspense throughout.

From start to finish, Seance on a Wet Afternoon keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, captivated by its gripping storyline.

The film’s title refers to an actual seance in a rainy afternoon setting.

The title is a reference to a pivotal scene in the film where a seance is conducted during a heavy downpour , adding to the overall atmosphere of unease.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was praised for its realistic depiction of the spiritualist movement.

The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of the spiritualist movement and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals.

Bryan Forbes’ direction creates a haunting and suspenseful atmosphere.

Forbes’s skillful direction adds to the film’s tense and eerie tone, making it an unforgettable viewing experience.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was released during a time of emerging psychological thrillers.

The film emerged during a period when psychological thrillers were gaining popularity, solidifying its place within the genre.

It was remade as an opera in 2011.

The enduring impact of Seance on a Wet Afternoon led to its adaptation into an opera, further solidifying its position as a timeless piece of storytelling.

The film’s pacing and deliberate buildup of tension keep audiences engaged.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon skillfully creates suspense by gradually escalating the stakes and maintaining a sense of impending danger.

It explores the blurred lines between reality and fabrication.

The film dives into the entangled web of truth and lies, questioning the limits of perception and the power of manipulation.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon showcases the vulnerability of those seeking guidance.

The film sheds light on the emotional vulnerability of individuals seeking solace in the spiritual realm, and the potential for exploitation.

The movie’s twist ending has become legendary.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon is renowned for its unexpected and shocking conclusion, leaving audiences in awe.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon is known for its atmospheric and haunting visuals.

The cinematography artfully captures the somber mood, further immersing the viewer in the film’s gripping narrative.

The film’s themes continue to resonate with audiences today.

Despite being released several decades ago, Seance on a Wet Afternoon explores universal themes that still captivate and resonate with viewers today.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon showcases the talents of its supporting cast.

Apart from Kim Stanley’s standout performance, the film features a strong ensemble cast that contributes to its overall brilliance.

The movie showcases the lengths one will go to for fame and notoriety.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon delves into the dark side of ambition and the extremes people will go to in order to achieve recognition.

The film’s haunting atmosphere is enhanced by its chilling sound design.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon masterfully uses sound to heighten tension and create an immersive experience for the audience.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon boasts strong character development.

The film carefully develops its characters, allowing audiences to witness the transformation and unraveling of their personalities.

Kim Stanley’s performance as Myra Savage is considered one of her best.

Stanley’s portrayal of the disturbed medium is widely regarded as one of her most captivating and memorable performances.

The film was a departure from typical horror movies of its time.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon distinguished itself from traditional horror films by focusing on psychological intensity rather than supernatural elements.

It has been praised for its intelligent storytelling.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon offers a thought-provoking narrative that challenges the audience’s perception and keeps them engaged until the end.

The movie’s emotional depth resonates with viewers.

The film taps into profound emotions, exploring themes of loss, obsession, and the dark corners of the human psyche.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon has influenced subsequent psychological thrillers.

The film’s impact can be seen in the genre’s evolution, inspiring future filmmakers to explore similar themes and narrative techniques.

It continues to receive critical acclaim.

Even years after its release, Seance on a Wet Afternoon remains highly regarded by critics for its exceptional craftsmanship and gripping storytelling.

The film explores the boundaries of morality and ethics.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths individuals would go to and the ethical implications of their actions.

It remains an essential piece of cinema history.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon has secured its place in film history as a masterful psychological thriller that stands the test of time.

These 42 facts about the movie Seance on a Wet Afternoon reveal the remarkable impact and enduring legacy of this gripping film. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or simply seeking a captivating cinematic experience, Seance on a Wet Afternoon is definitely worth watching. Its engrossing storyline, atmospheric visuals, and exceptional performances will leave you spellbound.

In conclusion, “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its gripping storyline, exceptional performances, and skillful direction, it has earned its place as a classic in the world of cinema. The film’s exploration of themes such as grief, obsession, and the pursuit of power adds layers of depth and complexity to the narrative.

From its atmospheric cinematography to its haunting score, “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” is a masterclass in creating tension and suspense. It showcases the talents of its cast, particularly the remarkable performances by Kim Stanley and Richard Attenborough , which further elevate the emotional impact of the story.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers and atmospheric dramas, “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” is a must-watch. Its unique blend of mystery, drama, and psychological depth will leave a lasting impression on audiences for years to come.

1. What is the plot of “Seance on a Wet Afternoon”?

Answer: “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” follows the story of Myra Savage, a psychic medium who convinces her husband, Billy, to help her stage a kidnapping of a young girl in order to boost her reputation.

2. Who are the main cast members of the movie?

Answer: The movie stars Kim Stanley as Myra Savage and Richard Attenborough as her husband, Billy. The supporting cast includes Mark Eden, Nanette Newman, and Judith Donner.

3. Is “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” based on a true story?

Answer: No, the movie is not based on a true story. It is a fictional narrative written by Bryan Forbes , who also directed the film.

4. What genre does “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” belong to?

Answer: The movie is categorized as a psychological thriller and drama, with elements of suspense and mystery.

5. When was the movie released?

Answer: “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” was released in 1964 .

6. Has the movie won any awards?

Answer: Yes, “Seance on a Wet Afternoon” won several awards, including the British Academy Film Award for Best British Film and the National Board of Review Award for Best Actress for Kim Stanley’s performance.

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‘twister’ og director says practical effects “ultimately” got the movie made: “they really fall from the sky”, rachel weisz to star in legendary’s adaptation of ‘seance on a wet afternoon’, tomas alfredson to direct.

By Justin Kroll

Justin Kroll

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EXCLUSIVE: Rachel Weisz is set star in and produce Legendary’s adaptation of acclaimed suspense novel Seance on a Wet Afternoon with  Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy helmer Tomas Alfredson to direct.

Alfredson comes aboard the project replacing Harry Bradbeer, who will remain on as an executive producer as he recently returned to direct Legendary’s Enola Holmes   sequel after the success of the first film. BAFTA and Tony-winner Jack Thorne wrote the   draft, from a story by himself and Bradbeer.

Based on Mark McShane’s acclaimed 1961 suspense novel of the same name, the story follows a self-proclaimed psychic medium who convinces her husband to kidnap a child so she can help the police solve the crime and achieve renown for her abilities. When her true intentions come to light, however, her husband realizes the plan threatens to consume them both. The novel was previously adapted as a film in 1964 starring Richard Attenborough and Kim Stanley. Stanley was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award, and each earned BAFTA nominations for their performances.

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Robyn Slovo will also produce, alongside Legendary, Emma Forbes, and Michael Attenborough. Weisz’s producing partner Polly Stokes will executive produce via Weisz’s Apetite Pictures. Thorne is also an executive producer.

Best known for her Oscar-nominated roles in The Favourite and The Constant Gardner (which won her an Academy Award), Weisz is coming off her first trip to the MCU in Marvel’s  Black Widow . She is currently starring in and producing Amazon’s limited series adaptation of Dead Ringers , a gender-swapped reimagining of the 1988 David Cronenberg film.

Alfredson breakout Swedish feature,  Let the Right One In , has become a cult classic, winning a Tribeca Jury Award when it first bowed and has since been spun-off into a domestic remake and an upcoming Starz! series starring Demian Bichir. For his work on Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, he earned rave reviews, leading to a BAFTA win.

Weisz is represented by WME, Independent Talent Group, Linden Entertainment, and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman. Alfredson is represented by ICM and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.

Slovo is represented by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates. Thorne is represented by UTA in the states and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates in the UK.

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Seance on a Wet Afternoon

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• Filmcritic.com Christopher Null It's a claustrophobic experience and an interesting study of grief-induced insanity, but the pacing is the obvious reason why you've never heard of this film before.
• EmanuelLevy.Com Emanuel Levy Kim Stanley received a Best Actress Oscar nomination for playing a disturbed medium who conspires a kidnap in Bryan Forbes' erie and suspensuful tale.
• The Lonely Film Critic Tomas Trussow Rainy day or no, this is a film that can be enjoyed anytime one is inclined towards something dark and unsettling. Close the drapes, light a candle, and go wild.
• Film Journal International Daniel Eagan Riveting thriller about a kidnapping that goes wrong
• F5 (Wichita, KS) Jake Euker The undertakings are as spooky as the title; Kim Hunter shines; and the theme song haunts your mind.
• Q Network Film Desk James Kendrick The film's extraordinary power derives from the way in which actress Kim Stanley convinces us of her character's conviction, no matter how misguided and, ultimately, pathetic.
• Examiner.com Phil Hall Highly effective psychological thriller, with a stunning star turn from Kim Stanley.
• Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Dennis Schwartz Creepy but engrossing Hitchcock-like suspense story.
• Los Angeles Free Press Merl Edelman I found the film dull because its theatrical conception robbed me of involvement with the characters.
• LIFE Roald Dahl As a study in suspense, this film must surely be a kind of classic. It is also a perfect demonstration of the fact that the most effective suspense is invariably created in a low key and without any violence at all.
• Esquire Magazine Dwight MacDonald Why didn't such dedicated artists ask themselves whether the fable on which they lavished their talents was worth representing in the first place?
• New York Herald Tribune Judith Crist It stands by itself as not only a psychological suspense thriller but also a top-notch crime-and-detection tale and, above all, a horror film.

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