Just a few months after its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the first trailer has debuted for directorBen Wheatley’sHigh-Rise.StudioCanal UKhas released the first look at this adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s novel of the same name, which is set in 1975 on the outskirts of London.Tom Hiddlestonstars as a reclusive doctor who moves into a massive luxury apartment complex simply known asHigh-Rise.
Two miles west of London, Dr. Laing (Tom Hiddleston) moves into his new apartment seeking soulless anonymity, only to find that the building’s residents have no intention of leaving him alone. Resigned to the complex social dynamics unfolding around him, Laing bites the bullet and becomes neighborly. As he struggles to establish his position, Laing’s good manners and sanity disintegrate along with the building. The lights go out and the elevators fail but the party goes on. People are the problem. Booze is the currency. Sex is the panacea.
The story is set on the eve ofMargaret Thatcher’s rise to power, at the site of what will soon become the world’s financial hub. Designed as a luxurious solution to the problems of the city, it is a world apart. The building was designed by visionary architect Anthony Royal (Jeremy Irons). Laing discovers a world of complex loyalties, and also strikes up a relationship with Royal’s devoted aide Charlotte (Sienna Miller).
But rot has set in beneath the flawless surface. Sensing discord amongst the tenants, Laing meets Wilder (Elisabeth Moss), a charismatic provocateur bent on inciting the situation. Wilder initiates Laing into the hidden life of the high-rise and Laing is shocked at what he sees. As the residents break into tribal factions, Laing finds himself in the middle of mounting violence. Violence that he also finds emerging in himself. The supporting cast also includesLuke Evans,James Purefoy, Reece Shearsmith and Peter Ferdinando.
Ben Wheatley(A Field in England) directs from a screenplay by longtime collaborator Amy Jump, who wrote and/or co-wrote the director’s other films such asKill List,SightseersandA Field in England. A domesticrelease datehas not been set at this time, but the film is slated to debut August 10, 2025 in the U.K. While we wait for more on the domestic release ofHigh-Rise, take a look at the firsttrailerbelow.
