Trailer Watch: Annette Bening and Saoirse Ronan Lead a Tangled Web of Love in “The Seagull”
“Remember all the laughter and the noise?” Irina (Annette Bening) reminisces in the trailer for “The Seagull.” “And the love affairs — so many love affairs.” Irina is talking about old times with her friend and apparent onetime lover, famous novelist Boris (Corey Stoll, “The Strain”), but she may as well be referring to “The Seagull’s” plot.
Based on Anton Chekhov’s play, the film sees Irina, whose career as an actress is winding down, hosting some friends and family at her country home for the summer. They include her son, Konstantin (Billy Howle, “Dunkirk”), ingénue Nina (Saoirse Ronan), and Masha (Elisabeth Moss). Konstantin quickly falls for Nina, who seems interested until she sets eyes on Boris. Masha, meanwhile, is unlucky-in-love with Konstantin. “I’m in mourning — for my life,” Masha deadpans when another character asks her why she always wears black.
Meanwhile, Boris takes advantage of all the drama and manipulates Irina into helping him with a new project. “I’m just a woman, like any other,” Irina argues. “This is your chance to be a woman unlike any other,” Boris replies.
You can catch Bening as another fading actress, Gloria Grahame, in “Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool,” currently in theaters. Ronan was nominated for best actress for “Lady Bird” at the Oscars on Sunday. Her upcoming work includes romantic drama “On Chesil Beach,” also starring Howle. Moss will reprise her role of Offred in Season 2 of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” set to premiere April 25.
Directed by Michael Mayer (“Alpha House,” “Smash”), “The Seagull” opens May 11.
