The psychological suspense drama “Rex Julia” has announced an international cast.
The film stars Swedish Christian Hillborg (“The Last Kingdom”, “Fleabag”, “The Young Royals”) and Finland’s Jessica Grabowski (“Tom of Finland”, “One Walk Warding”, “Icebreaker”). Estonian actor Reeast, known for “The Manslayer/The Virgin/The Shadow” and Rainer Sarnet’s “November,” takes on the nominal role of Julia.
Laura Hyppönen’s film sees the perfect island holiday falling out of control as music producer Julia, in her early 30s, travels to the isolated villa of her new friend Anna. When Anna introduces her husband, JP, Julia instantly recognizes him from her past.
“This is the story of a rape survivor meeting her date rapist years after her previous encounter. It explores the dilemma and different perceptions of both the victim and the suspected perpetrator.
Inspired by his personal experience “it took years to distill into a character-driven fiction film,” the Finnish director wanted to “dive deeper into the subject of acquaintance rape without morality or sensationalization.”
Hyppönen’s second feature following “Live East Die Young,” set in London’s East End party scene, was partially filmed on a remote private island in the Nordic Archipelago.
“The film is written as a slow, burning, character-driven suspense drama. This setting adds tension to the story,” she pointed out, commenting on the “raw primitive quality” of footage obtained this way.
“Many of my films are made in a very DIY setting. This feeling of limitation is very obvious in “Rex Julia.” Here we only choose a single location and three actors. I love the claustrophobia that this type of limitation creates. ”
Hyppönen has opened about her lead.
“For Julia, I wanted to find an actor who could convey strength and vulnerability, but brought dark humor and unpredictability to the role. For Anna, I looked for someone who was bright and refined, but showed a dark undercurrent under the surface.” For JP, it was all about “warmth and charm” that could “contradict the cold and cruelty.”
She also “seeks for an ensemble”: “The trio are willing to play together, support each other, challenge each other, explore the dark side of the material. This is something that she found in Rare, Jessica and Christian.
It was produced by Meljalitora and Essa Haucama Ajudge at Greenlight Productions in Finland. This is also working on “Aurora.” Recently, I’ve been shining the spotlight on the Finnish film “Rex Julia.” Daniel Lägersten of Götafilm is collaborating with Gila Bergqvist Ulfung for Breidablick (Sweden).
From the beginning, Happeenn saw it as “a Scandinavian film for an international audience.”
“I started writing when I was still living in London, and I always imagined it to be a social environment where I was pride in a certain light and gender equality, and it was set in a harsh Scandinavian landscape.
“I love films that use genre elements to attract audiences, but I can do it with enough knowledge to explore something realistic.
“Movie is a very powerful medium and I’m trying to use it to move people. In the case of ‘Rex Julia’, my goal is to seduce and get the audience out of their comfort zone. ”
While facing Finland’s cultural cuts, Hapnen has not yet lost her faith.
“Smaller, more experimental films have always been a dangerous effort. These tend to be cut first when it gets difficult. At the same time, continuing to support projects with risky projects to ensure diversity and innovation in storytelling seems like a good business idea.”
“I think humans have a deep, innate need to share stories and experiences. No matter how public funding doesn’t support more experimental voices, these voices will only be buried underground for a while and appear stronger and more confrontational,” she said.
“We may have a bleak outlook, but I think restrictions and collective anger can create momentum for change, and change is what we need.”
