The Shrouds

Last updated
The Shrouds
Les Linceuls 2024 film poster.jpg
Promotional release poster
Directed by David Cronenberg
Written byDavid Cronenberg
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Douglas Koch
Edited by Christopher Donaldson
Music by Howard Shore
Production
companies
Distributed by
  • Pyramide Distribution (France)
  • Sphere Films (Canada)
Release dates
  • May 20, 2024 (2024-05-20)(Cannes)
  • September 25, 2024 (2024-09-25)(France)
Running time
116 minutes
CountriesFrance
Canada
LanguagesEnglish
French

The Shrouds (French : Les Linceuls) is a 2024 arthouse horror film written and directed by David Cronenberg. It features a cast including Diane Kruger, Vincent Cassel, and Guy Pearce.

Contents

The film had its world premiere at the Main Competition of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on 20 May 2024, and will be released theatrically in France on 25 September 2024, by Pyramide Distribution.

Premise

Karsh, 50, is a prominent businessman. Inconsolable since the death of his wife, he invents GraveTech, revolutionary and controversial technology that enables the living to monitor their dear departed in their shrouds. One night, multiple graves, including that of Karsh’s wife, are desecrated. Karsh sets out to track down the perpetrators. [1]

Cast

Production

The concept was originally set as a Netflix series, with Cronenberg writing two episodes before the streamer canceled plans. [2] Cronenberg has said that the film is very "personal" and "autobiographical". [3] [4]

Saïd Ben Saïd and Martin Katz produced the film for Prospero Pictures and SBS International alongside co-producer Steve Solomos. The cinematographer Douglas Koch works alongside art director Jason Clarke and production designer Carol Spier. [5]

Casting

The project was first announced in May 2022, with Vincent Cassel attached to play the lead role. [6] In September 2022, Léa Seydoux joined the cast. [7] In April 2023, Diane Kruger replaced Seydoux, and Guy Pearce joined the cast. [8] That month, Sandrine Holt also joined the cast. [9]

Filming

Principal photography began on May 8, 2023, in Toronto, Canada, [10] and wrapped on June 19, 2023. [11]

Release

The film was screened in the main competition at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on 20 May 2024. [12] [13] [14]

Reception

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 24 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10. [15] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 55 out of 100 based on 14 critic reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. [16]

Accolades

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipient(s)ResultRef.
Cannes Film Festival 25 May 2024 Palme d'Or David Cronenberg Nominated [17]

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References

  1. "THE SHROUDS". Festival de Cannes. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  2. Bergeson, Samantha (February 17, 2023). "Vincent Cassel Had 'No Idea How to Play' His Character in New David Cronenberg Film". Indiewire. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  3. Ntim, Zac (September 21, 2022). "David Cronenberg Talks "Autobiographical" Next Project And Shooting 'Crimes Of The Future' Scenes On An IPhone – San Sebastian". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  4. Bałaga, Marta (October 3, 2023). "Diane Kruger Looks Back on 'Circus' of 'Troy,' 'Incredibly Kind' Brad Pitt, Teases Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds': 'It Might Be His Most Personal Film'". Variety. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  5. Hodges, Jake (July 10, 2023). "David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds': Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far". Collider. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  6. Lang, Brent; Keslassy, Elsa (May 11, 2022). "Vincent Cassel Starring in David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds,' FilmNation and CAA Launching Sales in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  7. Tabbara, Mona (September 21, 2022). "Lea Seydoux to join cast of David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds'". Screen Daily. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  8. Katz, David (3 April 2023). "David Cronenberg taps Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger for The Shrouds". Cineuropa.org. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  9. D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 18, 2023). "David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds' Adds Sandrine Holt". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  10. Wiseman, Andreas (March 30, 2023). "David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds', With Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger & Guy Pearce, To Begin Filming In May". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  11. Squires, Ryan Louis (June 20, 2023). "John Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds' – Filming Has Wrapped on Cronenberg's Latest Twisted Vision". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  12. "The Screenings Guide of the 77th Festival de Cannes". Festival de Cannes. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  13. Lattanzio, Ryan (11 April 2024). "2024 Cannes Film Festival Lineup Revealed: Paul Schrader, Andrea Arnold, and David Cronenberg Among Competition Filmmakers". Indie Wire. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
  14. Barraclough, Leo (13 May 2024). "David Cronenberg's 'The Shrouds' Debuts Teaser Ahead of World Premiere in Cannes Competition (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  15. "The Shrouds". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  16. "The Shrouds". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  17. Ntim, Zac (11 April 2024). "Cannes Film Festival Lineup Set: Competition Includes Coppola, Audiard, Cronenberg, Arnold, Lanthimos, Sorrentino & Abbasi's Trump Movie — Full List". Deadline . Retrieved 9 May 2024.