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A24 has released the first trailer for the Donegal-set psychological drama God’s Creatures starring Emily Watson and Paul Mescal.

The feature film, supported by the Western Development Commission’s WRAP Fund, which was selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, unites Directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer after their award-winning drama The Fits.

Starring Emily Watson and Paul Mescal in the leading roles, God’s Creatures is set in a rain-swept Irish fishing village where a woman’s lies to protect her son have a devastating impact on the community, her family, and herself.

The film is written by Shane Crowley and produced by Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly following her award-winning and critically acclaimed successes Ammonite and Lady Macbeth. A24 has taken worldwide rights and co-financed the film alongside BBC Films, Screen Ireland, and the WRAP Fund with location support from the Donegal Film Office.

The WDC is delighted to have supported “God’s Creatures” with WRAP Fund investment, working with our Irish and international partners including the Donegal Film Office. The energy & economic impact that a production like God’s Creatures brings to a locality cannot be underestimated. Donegal provides a stunning backdrop to this critically acclaimed film which delivered significant expenditure and opportunities for local talent and service providers in the region.

Watson’s credits include Chernobyl and Breaking The Waves, while Mescal recently garnered Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award nods for his role as Connell in Normal People. Aisling Franciosi co-stars, following her award-winning performances in The Nightingale and TV series The Fall, and other cast members include Declan Conlon (Calvary), Marion O’Dwyer (Love, Rosie), and Toni O’Rourke (Wildfire).

Other talent involved include local production manager Maria Mulhall (Lola) and production designer Inbal Weinberg (Beasts of No Nation, Three Billboard Outside Ebbing), editor Julia Bloch (Green Room), and director of photography Chayse Irvin (BlacKkKlansman, Hannah).

The Directors’ previous film The Fits premiered at 2015 Venice Film Festival and played Sundance the following year. It earned Spirit Awards and Gotham Awards nominations and won the Critics Award at Deauville Film Festival.

God’s Creatures will be released in cinemas on Friday, September 30th.