The 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock,” directed by Peter Weir, is a film that is often cited as a huge influence on filmmakers. Acclaimed director Sofia Coppola is said to have borrowed quite a bit for her films, “The Virgin Suicides” and “Marie Antoinette.” Damon Lindelof has credited the film as an influence on his second season of “The Leftovers.” So, we’re definitely excited to see what Amazon has in store when it releases it’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” limited series later this year.
In the first teaser for the series, we aren’t given much time to really get a feel for the series. What we do get are quick scenes spliced together with narration describing the mystery of the disappearance of three women and one teacher on Valentine’s Day 1900. There is definitely a distinct style being used by director Larysa Kondracki, who is perhaps best known for her work on TV series including “Legion,” “Better Call Saul,” and most recently, “Power.”
“Picnic at Hanging Rock” stars Natalie Dormer, who is clearly best known for her role on “Game of Thrones,” but also joining the cast are Yael Stone, Lily Sullivan, Madeleine Madden, Ruby Rees, and Samara Weaving, who you might remember from her impressive roles in “SMILF” and “Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri.”
Amazon is releasing their series on their Prime Video service beginning May 25.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Picnic at Hanging Rock is a gripping reimagining of the Australian novel that plunges into the mysterious disappearance of three schoolgirls and their governess. Starring Natalie Dormer as the enigmatic headmistress of Appleyard College, the six episode limited series follows the subsequent investigation and the event’s far-reaching impact on the students and staff of the college.