Newly-crowned Oscar winner Jessie Buckley and critically acclaimed actor Paul Mescal are officially set to reunite for a new romantic crime movie titled “Hold On To Your Angels.” This highly anticipated project will be written and directed by Oscar nominee Benh Zeitlin, known for his work on “Beasts Of The Southern Wild” and “Wendy.” The film is poised to be a buzzy launch in the upcoming Cannes market, with distribution rights handled by The Veterans for international sales and CAA Media Finance for domestic distribution.

“Hold On To Your Angels” promises a compelling narrative set on the crumbling edge of South Louisiana. The official synopsis reveals a tale of a hell-bound outlaw, portrayed by Paul Mescal, and a ferocious shepherd of lost souls, played by Jessie Buckley, who fall into a catastrophic love as their bayou paradise succumbs to its decay. Director Benh Zeitlin described the film as “the most impossible love story I’ve ever witnessed — an outlaw romance for the end of America, set on the crumbling edge of South Louisiana.” He further added that he has been dreaming of telling this story for seventeen years, inspired by Pam Harper, who auditioned for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Zeitlin views it as “a love letter to an endangered way of life — and a rallying cry for empathy across a fractured planet.”

The film boasts a strong production team, with Plan B, known for films like “F1” and “Moonlight,” producing alongside Alex Coco, who previously worked on “Anora” and “Red Rocket,” under his Rapt Film banner. Plan B expressed immense enthusiasm for Zeitlin’s vision, stating, “Benh has set his powerful mix of intense realism, myth, and magic against the large scale of an epic love story. This is a writer/director with a vision for the ages.” Alex Coco echoed this sentiment, recognizing Zeitlin as a filmmaker with the rare gift of being able to “reveal profound beauty and humanity in parts of America that seldom find their way onto the silver screen.” Production for “Hold On To Your Angels” is expected to begin in February 2027.

Buckley and Mescal have previously demonstrated their undeniable chemistry and talent through multiple collaborations. Their most recent acclaimed project was Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” where they delivered powerful and heartbreaking performances. Buckley's portrayal of Agnes in “Hamnet” earned her an Academy Award, while Mescal’s performance was widely praised despite a controversial Oscar snub. The film explored how William Shakespeare was inspired by a family tragedy to write “Hamlet.” Prior to “Hamnet,” the duo also worked together on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut, “The Lost Daughter,” solidifying their reputation for electric on-screen dynamics.

Both actors have built impressive careers through a mix of acclaimed indie projects and high-profile IP movies. Beyond their reunion, Jessie Buckley is slated to appear in the drama “Three Incestuous Sisters” alongside Dakota Johnson and Saoirse Ronan, and previously starred in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s reimagining of Frankenstein, “The Bride!” Paul Mescal’s upcoming projects include Ridley Scott’s anticipated sequel “Gladiator II” and Sam Mendes’ quadrilogy focusing on The Beatles, where Mescal will portray Paul McCartney.

With such a talented cast and crew, and a unique vision from an acclaimed director, “Hold On To Your Angels” is shaping up to be a significant cinematic event, offering an intense and magical exploration of love and survival on the fringes of society.