Infatuation turns into a sinister obsession in the upcoming indie drama “Darkest Miriam.”
Based on Martha Baillie’s novel “The Incident Report,” the film follows loner librarian Miriam Gordon, played by “Severance” actress Britt Lower, whose new affair with a taxi driver (Tom Mercier) coincides with her receiving threatening letters from a secret admirer. Could her beau also be her nemesis?
The film, written and directed by Naomi Jaye, is set to have its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in the Viewpoints Section on Sunday, June 9.
Acclaimed filmmaker Charlie Kaufman serves as an executive producer on the film, seemingly stamping it with his signature existentialism. Kaufman joined after reading author Baillie’s other book “Sister Language.” Canadian poet Eva H.D. approached Kaufman on behalf of the production.
The official synopsis for “Darkest Miriam” reads: Miriam lives in a fog of grief while working amidst marginalized members of the public who populate the Allen Gardens branch of the Toronto Public Libraries. When a burgeoning love affair with Janko, a younger foreign cab driver coincides with her receiving a series of oddly threatening letters addressed to her, Miriam’s sheltered existence is cracked open.
Sook-Yin Lee and Jean Yoon also star.
Julie Baldassi and Brian Robertson produce the film, with writer/director Jaye, Kaufman, Martha Baillie, Brian Robertson, Julie Baldassi, Adi Chand, Jonas Prupas, Dean Perlmutter, Charles Baillie, Harland Weiss, Donovan M. Boden, Isil Gilderdale, Emily Harris, and Stephanie Hickman executive producing.
The Tribeca Viewpoints Section also marks the respective debuts of 3D animated film “Boys Go to Jupiter” starring Jack Corbett, Elsie Fisher, Tavi Gevinson, and Julio Torres, as well as the highly-anticipated documentary “Witches,” directed by Elizabeth Sankey. Additional highlights include “Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara” about a thrash metal band that sings in the Maori language, Beirut-based “Arzé,” family drama “Color Book,” Kenyan murder drama “Searching for Amani,” alien comedy “They’re Here,” and “Restless.” International documentaries “Champions of the Golden Valley” and “Era Oculta – Hidden Era” also shine a light on a famous athlete and painter, respectively.
Viewpoints is Tribeca’s home for distinct points of view and bold directorial visions, and its program curates the most boundary-pushing, rule-breaking new voices in independent film. For the first time in 2024, Viewpoints selections will be presented in competition.
“Darkest Miriam” premieres at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. The film is currently seeking distribution. Watch the first clip, an IndieWire exclusive, below.
