| Harmonia | |
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| Directed by | Guy Nattiv |
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| Distributed by | Bleecker Street (United States) |
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| Language | English |
Harmonia is an upcoming mystery drama film directed by Guy Nattiv and written by Nattiv and Noa Berman-Herzberg. The inspiration for the film was based on real events from Nattiv's own grandmother and her involvement with a sinister cult. It stars Carrie Coon, Bella Ramsey, Odessa Young, and Lily James.
Inspired by a series of actual real events, the film is based on the experiences of director Guy Nattiv's own grandmother and her involvement in a cult. [1] It follows Rita as she renounces her family to join the Harmonia commune, entranced by its leader. Rita's daughters Ella and Jo attempt to convince her to return home but find themselves drawn to the commune. [2]
Nattiv aims to shed light on the coercive power of cults through this film, a project he describes as his "most personal film." He expressed his emotional connection to the narrative, referring to it as a story that has haunted his family since childhood. [3] He mentioned that he's "been waiting decades until I was emotionally ready to confront my beloved grandmother's story, which has haunted my family since I was a child. As a woman in the 1980s going through a midlife crisis, my grandmother made the radical choice to leave my family and embed herself in an all-female cult, in an obsessive pursuit of happiness and meaning." [4] [5]
Jaime Ray Newman, Nattiv's wife, will co-produce the film through their company, New Native Film. Joining them as producers are Julia Lebedev and Eric Viasman from Sight Unseen, [6] and Oren Moverman. The screenplay was co-written by Nattiv and Noa Berman-Hertzberg, who also partnered with him on the 2010 film Mabul. This project continues Nattiv's collaboration with Bleecker Street, following their previous work together on 2023's Golda . [7] [8] [9]
Naomi Watts was originally cast as Rita, but was later recast with Carrie Coon. [2] Vicky Krieps was originally cast as the Leader, but was later recast with Lily James. [2] Nattiv said the actors "each bring a deep, intuitive grace to these layered characters, and their commitment to tell my story is tremendously moving." [8] He added that "I couldn't ask for more soulful collaborators than Carrie, Lily, Bella, and Odessa." [9]
Principal photography began in British Columbia on July 14, 2025, and concluded on August 20. [9] [10] [11] The film will include sets in various locations in the area including Great Central Lake and McLean Mill National Historic Site. McLean Mill Manager Elliot Drew says this is the third production to feature the mill within the past year and the movie crew consists of more than 100 people, contributing more than $500,000 into the economy during the next few weeks. [12]