Production on the new adaptation of the classic novel The Bell Jar has just wrapped – here is everything we know about this much-anticipated movie.
The Bell Jar has long been considered a classic novel in US literature and around the world, and has been studied by students for years.
Now, the novel by late author Sylvia Plath, is being brought to the big screen in a new adaptation and, as noted by Deadline, production on it has recently wrapped.
This movie is causing quite a bit of hype online, not just because it sees a new version of a much beloved novel, but also because it sees the acting debut of singer Billie Eilish.
Here is all we know about The Bell Jar movie.
What is the plot of The Bell Jar?
The psychological drama focuses on a young woman, Esther Greenwood, who is awarded a summer internship at a magazine in New York City. However, she isn’t excited by the work at the magazine or life in the big city, finding herself feeling increasingly anxious and disoriented.
A series of events then see Esther’s mental health worsen and she experiences various treatments, as well as other life events, as she tries to overcome her depression.
Who is starring in The Bell Jar?
Billie Eilish is playing Esther Greenwood. This is Billie’s first major acting role, having risen to fame as a singer. In her career to date, she has won 10 Grammy Awards and recorded three studio albums – When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), Happier Than Ever (2021) and Hit Me Hard and Soft (2024).
Carey Mulligan is starring as Esther’s mother, Mrs Greenwood. English actor Carey has starred in many movies in the past 20 years, including three for which she has received Best Actress Oscar nominations: An Education (2009), Promising Young Woman (2020) and Maestro (2023).
Other members of the cast have recently been confirmed, including Danielle Deadwyler, Dylan Hawco, Lili Taylor, Ella Beatty, Maggie Kuntz, Ike Brainholtz and Connor Storrie.
Who is writing and directing The Bell Jar?
Sarah Polley is directing The Bell Jar, and she also wrote the screenplay for it. Sarah has previously had success with films such as Women Talking, for which she won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 2023.
The movie is being produced by Plan B, Studiocanal and Joy Coalition.
What is the history of The Bell Jar?
The Bell Jar is the only novel by American writer and poet Sylvia Plath and was published in 1963 – initially under a pseudonym. The novel was semi-autobiographical. Tragically, Sylvia died by suicide only a month after the book was published in the UK.
In the US, The Bell Jar wasn’t published until 1971, in accordance with the wishes of Sylvia’s mother and husband. When it was published, it became an instant bestseller. The novel has since sold millions of copies around the world and has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Has there been a movie made of The Bell Jar before?
Yes there has. A movie was released in 1979 starring Marilyn Hassett and Julie Harris. However, the movie was almost universally panned by critics, who decried its lack of understanding or sympathy for Esther, painting her as hysterical and elitist rather than experiencing mental illness. However, Marilyn’s performance was praised.
Currently, the 1979 version of The Bell Jar holds a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and just 24% on the Popcornmeter.
When can we see The Bell Jar in theaters?
Filming in Toronto, Canada has just wrapped. A release date hasn’t been annoucned yet and there will be some time in editing and post-production, so a release date of early 2027 seems likely.
