- Angelina Jolie headlines Anxious People, directed by Marc Forster.
- Adapted from Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel.
- A hostage situation reveals deep secrets and unexpected connections.
Angelina Jolie is set to play Zara, a sharp-tongued investment banker in the upcoming film Anxious People. The film is based on Fredrik Backman’s hit novel.
Unlike typical crime dramas, Anxious People is framed as an emotional comedy filled with quirky characters and heartfelt revelations. With themes of anxiety, forgiveness, and human connection at its core, the story is as much about personal redemption as it is about solving a mystery.
Anxious People’ Brings Angelina Jolie into a Hilarious Hostage Chaos
The upcoming film Anxious People reimagines a bank robbery gone wrong as a touching social comedy. Angelina Jolie plays Zara, who reluctantly attends a real estate open house before Christmas. She is then swept up in a hostage crisis. The failed robber’s actions catalyze moments of self-discovery, oversharing, and an unlikely bond between total strangers.
Director Marc Forster returns to dramedy with this adaptation. He brings his signature balance of emotion and levity. Known for his work on Stranger Than Fiction and Finding Neverland, Forster collaborates again with screenwriter David Magee. This ensures the film retains the emotional sharpness of Backman’s original text while introducing cinematic energy.
The film marks a departure from Jolie’s more recent roles in action and biopics. It places her in a character-driven, ensemble comedy. Zara, her character, hides her vulnerability behind a cold exterior. This is a challenge Jolie is uniquely poised to navigate. Her performance is expected to offer both gravitas and humor as the group unravels each other’s truths.
Beyond the hostage plot, Anxious People delves into universal human experiences: the need to be heard, the fear of failure, and the courage to connect. As tensions unravel, the characters find meaning not through the crime itself, but through the unexpected intimacy it creates. This emotional resonance gives the story its lasting impact.
Anxious People is shaping up to be a poignant and comedic exploration of vulnerability. It is led by a powerhouse performance from Angelina Jolie and a creative team with a proven record of emotional storytelling.
“It’s a story about a crime that never happened, a bank robber who vanishes, and eight anxious strangers who find more in common than they ever imagined.” – Fredrik Backman
