In 1995, acclaimed crime novelist Patricia Highsmith retreated to her chalet in the Swiss Alps. Long since weary of the world, she now surrounds herself only with books and her beloved collection of antique weapons. Her self-imposed solitude comes to an abrupt end when the young editor Edward suddenly appears at her door. On behalf of her publisher, he is tasked with persuading the headstrong American to write one last novel featuring her most famous character: the con artist and murderer Tom Ripley. Highsmith refuses – unless Edward helps her devise the perfect murder. As reality and fiction begin to blur, the visit to the elderly lady turns into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
More than a dozen of her novels have been adapted for the screen – some multiple times – attracting millions of enthusiastic moviegoers worldwide. In this psychological thriller full of surprising twists, we experience the cult author herself for the first time – brilliantly portrayed by Oscar® winner Helen Mirren. Directed by Anton Corbijn (CONTROL, THE AMERICAN, A MOST WANTED MAN) based on a story by Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. Alden Ehrenreich (SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY) plays the enigmatic Edward Ridgeway, who charms the wealthy heiress Clementine Balfour (Olivia Cooke, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON) with the same light-footed charm he uses to try to resist Highsmith. A TALENT FOR MURDER is a deeply fascinating journey into a world where history and myth intertwine.
On September 29, 2026, FilmFest Hamburg will honor Dame Helen Mirren with the Douglas Sirk Award. The Oscar winner will personally accept the festival’s most prestigious award in Hamburg. Following the award ceremony, FilmFest will present Anton Corbijn’s A TALENT FOR MURDER as its German premiere.
