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July 11 (UPI) — May December has been selected as the opening film for the 2023 New York Film Festival.
Film at Lincoln Center announced on Tuesday that the romantic drama will make its North American premiere on September 29 at the 61st annual festival.
May December is an original screenplay by Samy Burch and is directed by Todd Haynes (Carol, Mildred Pierce).
The film follows Elizabeth, played by Natalie Portman, a television star who visits a close-knit island community in Savannah, Georgia, to prepare for a new role. Elizabeth becomes involved in the lives of Gracie, portrayed by Julianne Moore, whom she will be playing on screen, and Gracie’s younger husband, Joe, played by Charles Melton.
“As Elizabeth attempts to forge a connection with the family, hidden secrets and emotions resurface, creating a challenging and uncomfortable situation,” reads an official synopsis.
May December will be released in theaters on November 17 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 1.
“We are incredibly honored and moved to have the North American premiere of May December as the opening film for the New York Film Festival,” said Todd Haynes in a statement. “This festival holds a special place in my heart and has played a significant role in my career as a filmmaker. It represents the cultural life of this vibrant city, which is both my creative home and a constant source of artistic inspiration.”
The New York Film Festival will take place from September 29 to October 15.
May December had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received an 8-minute standing ovation.
