Here’s a trailer for the new film by R. Alverson (“The Builder,” which we reported here, and should have a review coming soon) titled “New Jerusalem” starring Will Oldham (“Old Joy”) and “The Builder’s” Colm O’Leary. Here’s the official synopsis:
A meditation on friendship, human need and frailty, New Jerusalem explores the allure and limitations of modern utopian belief. Sean (Colm O’Leary), an Irish immigrant to America, returning from a non-combat tour of duty in Afghanistan, finds his heart and mind in disarray. He befriends Ike (Will Oldham, AKA Bonnie “Prince” Billy), a strong willed evangelical, who endeavors to ensure his salvation. Inundated by a relentless fragility, Sean is confronted by a choice between the temptation of certainty and the chaos of the world around him.
The film is a contemplative character-study and should bode well with fans of films by the Dardenne Brothers, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, or Kelly Reichardt (particularly “Wendy and Lucy”). The trailer hints at a quiet, slow burning thriller not much different from “The Son” or “Three Monkeys.” It’s also nice to see Oldham front and center again, he hasn’t been a lead since 2006’s “Old Joy” and he seems to be on top of his game here, seemingly both compassionate and creepy.
The film is doing the festival circuit and should see some sort release in late 2010.