Billie Eilish makes her feature acting debut in Focus Features' The Bell Jar adaptation directed by Sarah Polley. See the full cast list and plot breakdown!
Oscar-winning writer and director Sarah Polley (Women Talking) has officially wrapped production on her long-awaited film adaptation of Sylvia Plath's landmark novel The Bell Jar. Distributed by Focus Features and produced alongside Plan B Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL, and Joy Coalition, the drama stars ten-time Grammy and two-time Academy Award winner Billie Eilish as protagonist Esther Greenwood in her feature film acting debut.
With principal photography officially complete, the major motion picture is heading into post-production aiming for a projected 2027 theatrical and festival premiere window.
Key Information
- Film Title: The Bell Jar
- Production Studios: Plan B Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL, Joy Coalition
- Distributor: Focus Features Official Site
- Director & Screenwriter: Sarah Polley
- Lead Cast: Billie Eilish, Carey Mulligan, Danielle Deadwyler, Connor Storrie, Ike Barinholtz
- Original Book Author: Sylvia Plath
- Genre: Psychological Drama, Period Piece, Literary Adaptation
- Official Portals: Focus Features X Account, Billie Eilish Official Instagram
What Is the Plot of The Bell Jar Movie?
Adapted from Sylvia Plath's iconic 1963 semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar chronicles the turbulent journey of an ambitious young woman confronting the heavy societal restrictions placed on women in 1950s America.
- An Ambitious Internship: Billie Eilish stars as Esther Greenwood, a brilliant college student who earns a coveted summer internship at Ladies' Day magazine in New York City.
- Identity and Mental Health: Beneath the glamour of Manhattan, Esther wrestles with intense pressure, personal identity, and escalating mental health struggles that lead to her eventual hospitalization.
- Oscar-Winning Direction: Sarah Polley wrote the adapted screenplay and directs the feature, marking her directorial follow-up to her 2023 Academy Award win for Best Adapted Screenplay for Women Talking.
Who Is in the Full Cast of The Bell Jar Adaptation?
Focus Features confirmed a powerhouse ensemble joining Eilish for the literary adaptation.
- Carey Mulligan: The Oscar-nominated actress plays Esther's mother, Mrs. Greenwood.
- Danielle Deadwyler: The Gotham Award winner portrays Dr. Nolan, Esther's compassionate psychiatrist.
- Connor Storrie: Fresh off his breakout star turn in Heated Rivalry, Storrie plays Marco, Esther's nightmare blind date.
- Ike Barinholtz: The comedy star portrays Lenny, a wealthy New York radio personality.
- Dylan Hawco & Lili Taylor: Hawco steps into the role of Buddy Willard, Esther's first boyfriend, while Taylor plays Jay Cee, Esther's editor at Ladies' Day.
- Ella Beatty & Maggie Kuntz: Beatty appears as Joan, an old acquaintance Esther meets in care, alongside Kuntz as Doreen, Esther's wild fellow intern in New York.
While Focus Features has not yet set a firm theatrical release date following the end of filming, The Bell Jar is expected to be a major contender across the 2027 film festival circuit.