Sophie Thatcher Joins Jennifer Kent's 'The Girl Who Was Plugged In' As Goodfellas Launches Sales - Cannes Market
The highly anticipated sci-fi tale, 'The Girl Who Was Plugged In', is set to become Jennifer Kent's next feature film, with Sophie Thatcher taking on dual lead roles. This marks an exciting development in the world of cinema, as Kent, known for her critically acclaimed works like 'The Babadook' and 'The Nightingale', delves into a dystopian narrative with a modern twist.
The film is an adaptation of a 1973 science fiction novella by James Tiptree, Jr., a renowned American writer. The story, which won the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 1974, explores a surreal and thought-provoking concept: a woman who, in her quest for love, loses her soul to technology. This premise raises intriguing questions about the relationship between humanity and technology, and the potential consequences of our increasing reliance on digital advancements.
Thatcher portrays P Burke, a disfigured and suicidal young protagonist who finds herself hired by a mega tech corporation. Her role is to virtually operate a 'flesh body' named Delphi, a brainless entity grown in a lab to influence and manipulate the masses. As Delphi's popularity soars, Burke becomes obsessed, leading to a descent into tech-induced psychosis with dire outcomes.
The film's production team is a powerhouse, featuring Kent, Cody Greenwood, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger, Brandon Millan, Sam Wasson, and Hualien Media International. The executive producer, Terris Ko, alongside Dani Sommerhauser, further strengthens the film's credentials. Kent's statement emphasizes the urgency of the film's message, suggesting that the themes of technology and humanity are more relevant now than ever.
The rights to the novella's IP were negotiated by Jon Levin at Sustainable Imagination and Christine Cohen at The Virginia Kidd Literary Agency, with Matt Saver handling the negotiations. The film is set to commence shooting in mid-November 2026 in Australia, with Kent and Thatcher both represented by CAA and Exile Entertainment.
This project exemplifies the power of storytelling to reflect and challenge our world. Kent's ability to adapt a 50-year-old novella to contemporary issues is a testament to her skill as a filmmaker. The film's exploration of technology's impact on humanity promises to be a thought-provoking and timely addition to the cinematic landscape.
In my opinion, 'The Girl Who Was Plugged In' is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and society. It raises important questions about our relationship with technology and the potential consequences of our digital advancements. Kent's unique vision and Thatcher's compelling performance are sure to make this film a standout in the upcoming Cannes market.
