Introduction to Frank & Louis
Kingsley Ben-Adir, known for his roles in Bob Marley: a love and Barbie, and Rob Morgan, known for Mud and Don’t Look Up, have signed on to play the lead roles in Frank & Louis, the upcoming English-language debut by Swiss director Petra Volpe. Volpe’s latest feature, Late Bloomers, drew acclaim at this year’s Berlinale and became a local box office success in German-speaking Europe.
Petra Volpe’s Background
Volpe first gained international attention with her 2017 feature The Divine Order, which was Switzerland’s official Oscar entry. Her unique storytelling and direction have captured the attention of audiences worldwide, and Frank & Louis is expected to be another critically acclaimed film.
Production and Sales
TrustNordisk has acquired the worldwide sales rights to Frank & Louis, with principal photography starting on April 30. The film will be presented to buyers at the Cannes film market next week. The production team includes Volpe and Esther Bernstorff as writers, and Reto Schaerli and Lukas Hobi as producers.
Plot and Cast
Frank & Louis takes place within the walls of a US prison and follows the story of Frank, a man serving a life sentence who takes on a nursing role for aging inmates with dementia. Ben-Adir plays the lead role of Frank, while Morgan stars as Louis, a colleague living with dementia. The ensemble cast also includes Indira Varma, Rosalind Eleazar, and Grammy artist René Pérez Joglar.
Themes and Development
As Frank cares for Louis, what begins as a calculated attempt to improve his probation prospects develops into a deeply personal connection with another prisoner. This connection helps Frank formulate an understanding of dignity, responsibility, and redemption. The film explores themes of human connection, empathy, and personal growth, making it a powerful and thought-provoking drama.
Representation and Support
The film is supported by the Swiss public broadcaster SRF and SRG SSR, as well as national and regional film funds. The cast and crew are represented by various talent agencies, including CAA, Range Media Partners, and Elysian Heights. With a talented cast and crew, Frank & Louis is expected to make a significant impact on the film industry.
