Natalia Leite will direct the film adaptation of Emily St. John Mandel's 2009 novel Last Night in Montreal, Deadline reported. The screenplay was adapted by Mandel and Semi Chellas. It is being produced by Simon Faber through his Taiga Pictures banner, with Mandel and Chellas serving as executive producers.
"Last Night in Montreal had me gasping for air at times," said Leite. "It's gripping, intoxicating, and full of surprises as it unravels a central mystery and breaks the reality of its protagonist. I'm thrilled to direct this neo-noir mystery/thriller, so deeply rooted in humanity, from the minds of two powerful writers."
The story "follows Ali, whose life unravels when his girlfriend Lilia disappears without warning from their Brooklyn life on the night he plans to propose. Desperate to understand--and to protect her if he can--he follows the trail to Montreal, uncovering the truth of her past, and finding himself entangled in a dangerous mystery spearheaded by an elusive woman named Mickie," Deadline noted.
Faber added: "Emily's novel is a haunting meditation on the unseen wounds people carry beneath the surface, especially the scars of child abuse and abandonment, and the ways those wounds echo through their lives. With Natalia's distinct vision and Emily and Semi's extraordinary script, I am so excited about the team we are continuing to assemble around the adaptation of this very special piece of material."