Vertigo Releasing has announced the upcoming release of the action-thriller "Duchess," directed by Neil Marshall, known for his work on "Dog Soldiers" and "The Descent." The film will hit select UK cinemas and be available for digital download starting August 12th.
"Duchess" follows the story of a small-time crook who tries to break into the dangerous world of diamond trafficking. When a deal goes wrong, she is left for dead. Determined to seek revenge, Duchess embarks on an unrelenting quest for vengeance.
The film stars Charlotte Kirk ("The Lair"), Philip Winchester ("Strike Back"), Colm Meaney ("Layer Cake"), Hoji Fortuna ("That Dirty Black Bag"), Colin Egglesfield ("Something Borrowed"), Stephanie Beachum ("Dynasty"), and Sean Pertwee ("Dog Soldiers," "Gotham").
Director Neil Marshall expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The criminal underworld, and especially gangsters, have been staple movie fodder since movies were invented, and their popularity is as strong as ever. Just look at the success of movies such as 'Goodfellas,' 'The Departed,' 'Pulp Fiction,' 'True Romance,' or TV series like 'Narcos,' 'Ozark,' and 'Breaking Bad.' The universal appeal of criminals and their nefarious endeavors shows no sign of wavering."
Marshall continued, "Female-driven action movies have also made their mark of late. Classics such as 'Kill Bill,' 'Salt,' 'Lucy,' 'Hanna,' 'Mad Max Fury Road,' 'Hunger Games,' and 'Atomic Blonde' have proved very popular with audiences, and characters like Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor have become cinematic icons. 'Duchess,' and Scarlett Monaghan, follows firmly in this tradition, and I think the reason Scarlett’s story resonates so strongly, particularly among women, is because she's not a superhero or a spy; she’s a regular London girl just trying to survive in this crazy world."
He added, "With 'Duchess' I wanted to create a British action crime thriller with international appeal. While its themes of love lost and raving taken are universal, I decided early on in the development of the script that rather than go down the traditional route of East End gangsters and cockney swagger, I wanted to broaden its scope, not just in terms of its visual texture and style, but also its central story. I changed up drug deals for the more mysterious and somewhat enticing world of international diamond smuggling. Who isn’t drawn to the allure of a sparkling diamond? And instead of the rainy back streets of London, I wanted to give this film a sun-baked and vibrant look. And of course, the movie is packed full of exciting and intense action sequences in the great tradition of films like 'Heat,' 'The Untouchables,' and 'Scarface.'"
"Duchess" promises to be a fresh take on a beloved genre, offering a wild ride through the high-stakes world of diamond smuggling and personal retribution. Don't miss its release in select UK cinemas and on digital download from August 12th.
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