Penélope Cruz, the renowned Spanish actress, is all set to captivate audiences once again, this time in Isabel Coixet’s English-language adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed novel, “The Days of Abandonment.” This thrilling cinematic journey promises to be a tour de force as Cruz takes on the role of Olga, a talented writer whose life takes a dramatic turn when her husband abandons her and their two young daughters.
The film, currently in development, was sealed before the recent SAG-AFTRA strike. While Penélope Cruz was notably absent from the Venice Film Festival, her performance in Michael Mann‘s “Ferrari” garnered rave reviews, showcasing her incredible range and acting prowess.
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“The Days of Abandonment” is set to transplant the original Italian setting of the novel to America. It reunites the dynamic duo of Penélope Cruz and director Isabel Coixet, known for their previous collaboration on the U.S.-based drama “Elegy” back in 2008. The film, an adaptation of Philip Roth’s novella “The Dying Animal,” delved into the complexities of an affair between a professor and his student.
Elena Ferrante’s bestselling novel, which made its English debut in 2005, offers a powerful exploration of Olga’s life as a 38-year-old woman grappling with the devastating aftermath of her husband’s abrupt departure. Trapped within the confines of their Turin high-rise apartment, Olga must navigate the daunting task of raising her two daughters alone. As she grapples with her newfound reality, Olga’s descent into emotional turmoil becomes an unforgettable journey.
“The Days of Abandonment” will be produced by Italy’s Lotus production, a subsidiary of Leone Film Group, Penélope Cruz’s production company, Moonlyon, co-founded with MediaPro Studio’s CEO Laura Fernández Espeso, and Nimoa Entertainment, led by her brother Edu Cruz and Marco Perego.
Isabel Coixet, renowned for her ability to delve into the inner lives of women, has a remarkable track record with films such as “My Life Without Me,” “The Secret Life of Words,” and “The Bookshop.” Her upcoming Spanish-language drama, “Un Amor,” will soon be showcased at the San Sebastian Film Festival.
The screenplay for “Days of Abandonment” is crafted by French screenwriter Laurence Coriat, celebrated for her collaborations with Michael Winterbottom on films like “Wonderland,” “Summer in Genoa,” and “Everyday.” Coriat also penned the screenplay for the acclaimed British TV series “McMafia,” an exploration of global organized crime based on journalist Misha Glenny’s book.
This adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s work joins a growing list of successful adaptations, including the RAI and HBO series “My Brilliant Friend” and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, “The Lost Daughter,” both of which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Additionally, Netflix is bringing Ferrante’s “The Lying Life of Adults” to life on the small screen.
Elena Ferrante, who chooses to remain anonymous, achieved international acclaim with her “Neapolitan Quartet,” including “My Brilliant Friend” and “The Story of the Lost Child.”
Lotus, a prominent Italian production company, has a rich history of delivering outstanding films and TV series, including “Perfect Strangers,” “Like Crazy,” and “There Is No Place Like Home.” Two eagerly anticipated Lotus projects, the TV adaptation of Stefania Auci’s bestseller “Lions of Sicily” and the Naples-set fantasy TV series “Uonderbois,” are set to grace Disney+ soon.
Penélope Cruz continues to be represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Kuranda Management, maintaining her position as a global cinematic icon.
Stay tuned for “The Days of Abandonment” as Penélope Cruz embarks on a journey into the depths of Elena Ferrante’s powerful storytelling.