In a compelling new development in international cinema, acclaimed actress Riley Keough has been announced as the lead star in Albert Serra’s highly anticipated English-language debut, Out of This World. The film promises a gripping exploration of the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia, set against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Albert Serra, the celebrated Spanish filmmaker known for his visually poetic and contemplative style, is stepping into new territory with this project. Out of This World marks Serra’s first film shot primarily in English, signaling a bold expansion of his cinematic reach. The film’s narrative centers on an American delegation’s tense journey to Russia to negotiate an economic dispute deeply intertwined with the broader conflict in Ukraine. While English will be the primary language, the film will also incorporate Russian dialogue to authentically capture the cultural and political nuances of the story.
Originally, Kristen Stewart was attached to star in the lead role. However, following significant script revisions, Stewart exited the project, paving the way for Riley Keough to take the helm. Keough, known for her versatile performances and growing stature in independent and auteur-driven cinema, is an inspired choice to bring depth and complexity to this politically charged role. She will be joined by a distinguished supporting cast including F. Murray Abraham and Liza Yankovskaia, promising a powerful ensemble performance.
The production of Out of This World is a collaborative effort among several European production companies, with Los Films handling international representation and Films du Losange managing distribution in France. The film is slated to begin shooting in the summer of 2025, although some logistical and legal hurdles remain to be finalized before filming can commence.
Industry insiders view this project as a significant milestone for Serra, whose previous work, notably the 2022 film Pacifiction, received critical acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling and philosophical depth. With Out of This World, Serra is poised to engage a wider international audience by tackling timely and urgent geopolitical themes through his distinctive cinematic lens.
For Riley Keough, this role further cements her position as a rising force in global cinema. Following her involvement in other international projects such as Butterfly Jam, Keough continues to demonstrate a keen interest in complex, challenging roles that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.
Out of This World arrives at a moment when the world remains deeply invested in the unfolding events in Ukraine and the broader implications of U.S.-Russia relations. Serra’s film promises to offer not just a dramatic narrative but also a reflective meditation on power, diplomacy, and the human cost of political conflict.
As production gears up, audiences and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this unique collaboration between Serra and Keough unfolds, and how the film will contribute to the ongoing cultural conversation surrounding one of the most pressing global issues of our time.
