BREAKING: Cate Blanchett is confirmed to star in and produce the highly anticipated film Sweetsick, marking Alice Birch’s directorial debut for Searchlight Pictures. The project, which is set to begin shooting this fall in the UK and Greece, promises a compelling narrative centered around a complex woman endowed with a unique ability to perceive others’ deepest needs—often at a significant personal cost.
This urgent development comes as Blanchett, celebrated for her roles in Elizabeth, Carol, and Tár, adds another prestigious project to her impressive portfolio. Sweetsick will not only showcase her acting prowess but also her production capabilities through her company, Dirty Films.
In a statement released just moments ago, Birch expressed her excitement: “I could not be more excited to be making my debut feature as a director with such an extraordinary team of filmmakers and collaborators.” She emphasized the thrill of working alongside a talent like Blanchett, stating, “To have the peerless Cate Blanchett at the centre of it is thrilling.”
The film’s production team includes notable names such as Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Theo Barrowclough, and Lee Groombridge, with Film4 executive producing and co-financing the project. The collaboration between Birch and Ross is particularly noteworthy, as Ross remarked on the collective belief in Birch’s vision: “We’re all very big believers in Alice Birch and it’s been wonderful to see that the fantastic team she’s gathered around her, not least the amazing Cate, feel the same way.”
Birch, who gained recognition as a screenwriter with her acclaimed work on Lady Macbeth and the Emmy-nominated adaptation of Normal People, is poised to make a significant impact as a director with this project.
As enthusiasm builds, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly awaiting further casting announcements, which are expected to be revealed shortly. With production poised to kick off this fall, Sweetsick is shaping up to be one of the most exciting films to watch for in 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the film industry gears up for what promises to be a groundbreaking debut for Alice Birch and an unforgettable performance from Cate Blanchett.
