Great films start with a great story. Utilizing a pre-existing novel is one way to ensure that the story is already loved by many. It guarantees that the film will have a strong pre-existing fanbase, and therefore hopefully has a solid chance of bringing in box office audiences.
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Classics such asEmma, or contemporary pieces likeThe Silver Linings Playbook, are given new life on-screen. Many adaptations remain true to the source, while otherschange key elements to highlight certain themes.Either way, the book-to-movie pipeline is a tried and true method of seeing some of our favorite stories on the big screen, as well as introducing us to new books along the way.
No Exitby Taylor Adams
College student, Darby Thorne, finds herself stuck with four strangers at a highway rest stop because of a blizzard. There, she discovers a young child kidnapped in the back of the van parked next to her car. Darby is trapped with a dangerous predatorbut does not know who.
Up and comer,Havana Rose Liuplays Darby Thorne in thisScott Frankproduced adaptation. It will be released via Hulu on February 25th.
Deep Waterby Patricia Highsmith
A psychological thriller written in 1957 explores the delicate facade of domestic married life. When Vic Van Allen has had enough of the arrangement in which his wife, Melinda, can take any man she pleases, a dark and twisted tale of murder and lies ensues.
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The film adaptation starsBen AffleckandAna de Armasas the troublesome couple and is directed byAdrian Lyne. This marks 20 years since Lyne’s last feature and is sure to be a thrilling return.Deep Wateris set to be released on March 18th.
Mrs. ‘Arris Goes To Parisby Paul Gallico
The plot of this novel centers on Ada Harris, a charwoman who falls in love with her employer’s designer wardrobe. She decides that she must go to the House of Dior in Paris to purchase her own evening gown. As a comedic tale, Mrs. Harris meets a wide range of colorful characters and experiences all sorts of situations.
This adaptation featuresLesly Manvillein the titular role and is directed byAnthony Fabian. Originally set to be released in May, the film will now be in theaters on July 15th.
Where The Crawdads Singby Delia Owens
Set in the marshlands of North Carolina,Where The Crawdads Singfollows the life of Kya as she navigates poverty, love, and nature. Through town gossip and exaggerated myth, she is ostracized by her community and left to fend for herself in the swamp. One day, a young man is found dead, and she is blamed.
StarringDaisy Edgar-JonesofNormal Peoplefame as the titular character, and withReese Witherspoon’sproduction company, Hello Sunshine, backing the feature, it is certain to be a hit. The film will be released in theaters on July 22nd.
Salem’s Lotby Stephen King
This one isa delight for horror fans. After a writer returns to his hometown in search of a story, he receives more than he bargained for. Cue a bloodthirsty vampire hell-bent on turning the entire town.
Related:7 Stephen King Adaptations That Got It RightWritten and directed by Gary Dauberman, the man behind horror favorites,Annabelle(2014),It(2017),and their sequels,Salem’s Lotis sure to be a horrifying incarnation of the novel. It is scheduled to be released on September 9th in theaters.
White Bird: A Wonder Storyby R.J. Palacio
Written as a companion piece toWonder,White Birdfollows Auggie’s bully, Julian, as he learns about his grandmother’s experience in Nazi-occupied France. As a young Jewish girl, she was hidden by a classmate and his family.
StarringGillian AndersonandHelen Mirren,this exceptional cast ensures that the film will touch the hearts of many. While originally scheduled to be released in September 2022, the film was pushed back to October 14th.
White Noiseby Don DeLillo
First published in 1985, the novel won the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction. The story follows the lives of Jack Gladney, his wife Babette, and his four children as they navigate consumerism and the deathly ‘toxic airborne event’.
This film sees the returning collaboration ofNoah BaumbachandAdam Driver.Baumbach is set to direct with Driver playing the titular role.Greta Gerwig,Baumbach’s partner, and renowned director in her own right will play opposite Driver. An exact release date has not been announced.
