If you're a Tom Hiddleston fan (and why the hell wouldn't you be?), you are all too aware of the fact that the actor hasn't starred in a film in over a year — Only Lovers Left Alive, his last leading role, was released in the U.S. in April 2014. Luckily, Hiddleston takes center stage in Crimson Peak , which hits theaters on Friday, Oct. 16, but what about his other movies? The star is currently making headlines in Europe with his film, High-Rise, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on Oct. 9. High-Rise had its international premiere in September as part of the Toronto International Film Festival, and celebrated its U.S. premiere at Fantastic Fest in Texas later that month. Now, the movie is making its way across Europe, but when will High-Rise be released in the U.S.?
Given the cult buzz and star power behind High-Rise, it seems strange that the film hasn't already received a U.S. release date. But, the truth of the matter is that, despite screening at festivals, High-Rise has yet to be picked up for U.S. distribution. This is likely due to a multitude of factors, not the least of which is the lukewarm reception from critics. The Hollywood Reporter called the film "a multi-storey mess" and "an ambitious, brilliant failure." The Guardian said that the film "[is] not a disaster, but the faults stack up."
It's disappointing to hear, considering how interesting the movie sounds. Hiddleston traded in his horned Loki helmet for a slick suit in High-Rise , the big screen adaptation of the novel by J.G. Ballard. A dystopian thriller, the film explores the unraveling lives of people living in, you guessed it, a high rise. The film was directed by Ben Wheatley, a British indie darling who directed Kill List and Sightseers, and stars an impressive cast including Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans and Elisabeth Moss.
As reviews keep coming in, the fate of High-Rise remains up for grabs. IMDB lists the film as having 2016 release dates in both France and Germany, so it's likely that, should the film get a U.S. release, it will be sometime in the new year. Given its lack of critical success, however, it's doubtful High-Rise will earn a wide release. If nothing else, Hiddlestoners should take comfort in knowing that until High-Rise's eventual release, you can catch the actor in Crimson Peak and the upcoming I Saw the Light.
Images: StudioCanal
