Justin Kurzel, known for his evocative and intense films like Snowtown and Macbeth, is venturing into new territory with his latest project, Mice. Based on Gordon Reece's novel, this marks Kurzel's first exploration of “straight horror,” a genre he's long been fascinated by. The project reunites him with Sean Grant, his collaborator on acclaimed works like Nitram and True History of the Kelly Gang.
In an interview with The Playlist, Kurzel shared his excitement about the film, noting his growing eagerness to experiment with diverse genres as he matures in his career. He emphasized the appeal of horror's storytelling potential, stating:
“I've been fascinated by the horror genre and the potential of that. I haven't done a straight horror film before, so that's exciting.”
Nicole Kidman, a name synonymous with riveting performances, is expected to bring a unique gravitas to the film. Her involvement adds significant intrigue, given her penchant for roles that delve deep into human complexity and emotion.
Kurzel's current slate of projects underscores his versatility. He's developing Burning Rainbow Farm, an adaptation of Lenny Abrahamson's true story about a standoff between U.S. pot advocates and the FBI. Additionally, Kurzel has completed filming episodes for Netflix's Black Rabbit, starring Jason Bateman and Jude Law, and Amazon Prime's Narrow Road to the Deep North, a series based on the Booker Prize-winning novel and featuring Jacob Elordi.
Meanwhile, his new drama The Order is set to hit select cinemas on December 6th, offering audiences another glimpse of Kurzel's signature narrative depth.
With Mice, Justin Kurzel promises to bring a fresh perspective to the horror genre, blending his artistic sensibilities with an unflinching exploration of fear and suspense.
Kurzel's foray into horror is an exciting development for fans of both his work and the genre. His meticulous approach to storytelling, combined with Nicole Kidman's proven ability to captivate audiences, sets high expectations for Mice. The collaboration with Sean Grant ensures a script rich in tension and emotional complexity.
While Kurzel is best known for his dramatic and historical films, his decision to tackle horror could signal a new chapter in his career. If executed well, Mice could stand out as a genre-defining work, much like The Babadook or Hereditary.
However, the challenge lies in balancing the novel's psychological depth with cinematic elements of horror that resonate with a broad audience. It will be intriguing to see how Kurzel navigates this genre shift.
What are your thoughts on Justin Kurzel's transition to the horror genre? Do you think Mice has the potential to redefine modern horror films?
