If you’ve ever read The Talented Mr Ripley or Strangers on a Train, then you might be intrigued by the upcoming thriller Switzerland, which sees Dame Helen Mirren star as author Patricia Highsmith. The film is based on a play that follows a plot much like one of the thriller writer’s novels and mirrors the plot of one of the Ripley novels that made Highsmith’s name. There’s no release date yet, but it’s in active production.

The real-life Highsmith, who also wrote The Price of Salt (also known as Carol and adapted into a 2015 film) ended up living a secluded life in Switzerland away from her native America, and this is where we find her in the film. Her solitary life is suddenly interrupted by Edward, a young literary agent sent by Highsmith’s publishing company with a proposition for her to write a final Tom Ripley novel. Highsmith isn’t keen on the idea, and attempts to shoo the agent away with her macabre imagination- but when he doesn’t budge, she finally decides to collaborate. She puts her unique literary mind to use, and the pair soon construct a world indistinguishable from their own. But questions remain over the agent’s true motives, and whether he’s all he says he is.

Highsmith’s works have been adapted numerous times for the screen over the years- the most successful being the aforementioned Carol with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, 1999’s The Talented Mr Ripley starring Matt Damon and Jude Law, and the Hitchcock version of Strangers on a Train. Switzerland looks to be a mix of pastiche and tribute to the thrillers the authorities were known for, not only mirroring the plot of one of the Ripley novels but also featuring plenty of references to her works. The film is being written by Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, whose play the screenplay is based on. It’s being directed meanwhile by Dutch filmmaker Anton Corbijin, who’s directed films like A Most Wanted Man and The American.

Speaking to Deadline about the film’s announcement, the producers commented “story that is at its heart a thrilling sparring match between two beautifully drawn characters. We’re so excited to have the formidable Helen Mirren playing Patricia Highsmith: she will be perfect at encapsulating Highsmith’s icy threat and her blend of monstrosity and vulnerability.” The film will likely arrive at some point next year- and we’ll make sure to keep you posted when a trailer arrives.

For more on the latest flicks, check out our February streaming guide.

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