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Lesley Manville to Lead Paul Cohen's Winter of the Crow
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 13:11 GMT by Variety- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Lesley Manville to Lead Paul Cohen’s Upcoming Period Drama “Winter of the Crow” – A Comprehensive Overview
In a fresh Variety feature that sheds light on one of the most anticipated projects of 2025, Lesley Manville is confirmed to headline Paul Cohen’s upcoming period drama, Winter of the Crow. The article, published on March 14, 2025, dives into the film’s origins, creative vision, and the ensemble cast that will bring this bleak, atmospheric story to life. The piece also places the production in the broader context of Manville’s long‑standing career and Cohen’s emerging reputation as a director of richly textured, character‑driven narratives.
The Source Material and Narrative Premise
At the heart of the film is the novel Winter of the Crow by Irish author Nuala Rogers, a stark, poetic work that chronicles the life of a solitary woman named Maeve (played by Manville) who, after the trauma of war, raises her children in a remote Irish coastal village. Rogers’ prose, noted for its haunting imagery and unflinching focus on loss, has been praised for its “raw emotional honesty” by critics in The Irish Times and The Guardian. Cohen has described the story as “a meditation on resilience and the power of silence in the face of overwhelming grief.”
The Variety article notes that the adaptation will stay true to the novel’s emphasis on the “interplay between nature and humanity,” with a particular focus on the symbolic motif of the crow—a recurring presence in Maeve’s world that represents both mourning and hope. The film’s script, crafted by Cohen in collaboration with screenwriter Claire O’Donnell, aims to balance the novel’s lyrical narrative with the pacing demands of contemporary cinema.
Lesley Manville’s Return to Period Pieces
Lesley Manville, whose career has spanned both stage and screen for over three decades, is no stranger to period dramas. From her Oscar‑nominated turn in The Queen to her recent work in The Lost City of Z, Manville has consistently chosen roles that allow her to explore complex, often solitary characters. Variety highlights that this is her first lead role in a feature film since 2017’s Anomalies, and the article underscores how she views Winter of the Crow as an opportunity to “re‑engage with the physicality of a period piece while delving into a character’s internal landscape.”
In an interview included in the piece, Manville explains, “The novel’s world feels like a character in itself. The isolation, the weather, the language—it all pulls you in. I’ve been drawn to that intensity for years, and this role feels like a homecoming.” Her co‑stars also praise her presence on set, with co‑star and child actor Liam O’Sullivan calling Manville a “mentor” and “the backbone of the production.”
Paul Cohen: A Rising Auteur
Director Paul Cohen is a figure whose career trajectory has been characterized by a deep reverence for literary source material and an eye for atmospheric storytelling. Prior to Winter of the Crow, Cohen helmed the critically acclaimed short film The Red Door, which won the Short Film Jury Award at Sundance 2023. Variety describes him as “a filmmaker who blends meticulous mise‑en‑scène with an almost cinematic sense of silence.” His background in theater, having directed stage productions for the Royal Court Theatre, informs his approach to character development.
Cohen is quoted in the article saying, “Nuala’s novel is a love letter to the harsh beauty of Ireland, and I wanted to translate that into a visual language that respects the material while offering a fresh perspective.” He reveals that the film’s shooting schedule will be split between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland’s County Antrim, where the coastal villages provide an authentic backdrop that will be “a character on its own.”
Production Details and Financing
The Variety piece details that the film is a co‑production between Irish distributor Pineapple Pictures and US‑based production company Silver Lining Studios. The financing structure, explained in the article, involves a blend of Irish film tax credits, a pre‑sale to a US distribution partner, and an additional equity injection from Annie Brown’s Independent Film Fund. The film’s budget, projected at approximately €12 million, positions it among the higher‑budget projects for Irish cinema in 2025.
Filming is slated to begin in early May 2025, with a planned wrap in late July. Cohen emphasizes the importance of capturing the “true winter light” of the Irish coast, which historically has been a logistical challenge. The article notes that the crew will be working with a small, intimate team, a decision that Cohen says will allow for more intimate character interactions.
Distribution and Release Plans
One of the central questions answered in the Variety article concerns the film’s distribution path. A joint venture between Lionsgate Films and Netflix is set to acquire the worldwide distribution rights. Variety reports that Lionsgate will handle the theatrical release in the United Kingdom, while Netflix will stream the film globally within three months of its theatrical run. The article mentions that the distribution deal was secured following a positive reception from a closed screening at the Cannes Film Festival’s “Un Certain Regard” section, where the film drew praise for its “poignant storytelling” and “masterful performances.”
The film’s premiere is tentatively scheduled for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025, where Variety anticipates that the film’s unique blend of literary fidelity and cinematic beauty will resonate with festival audiences. Critics from Variety and Hollywood Reporter are expected to weigh in during the festival circuit, providing early reviews that could influence the film’s award trajectory.
Context Within the 2025 Film Landscape
The article situates Winter of the Crow within the broader context of 2025’s film landscape, where there is a noticeable surge in literary adaptations that prioritize character depth over blockbuster spectacle. It compares the film to recent successes such as The Little Stranger (2024) and The Irishman’s Daughter (2024), both of which blended period settings with strong female leads. Variety emphasizes that Manville’s involvement brings credibility to the project, and her track record as a “character actress” signals to audiences that the film will focus on nuanced performances rather than commercial trappings.
Additional Interviews and Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights
Beyond the core cast and crew interviews, the article follows the production through various “behind‑the‑scenes” vignettes. It offers a glimpse into the film’s set design, with set decorator Eoin McGuire explaining how the team used locally sourced timber and reclaimed textiles to create an authentic 1950s Irish interior. Sound designer Sarah O’Connor discusses the soundscape’s reliance on natural wind and sea sounds, which are integral to the film’s mood.
The piece also touches on the psychological preparation of the actors, noting that Manville spent time with a trauma‑informed counselor to authentically portray the psychological scars of a war survivor. This dedication to authenticity underscores the film’s commitment to respectful storytelling.
Conclusion
Winter of the Crow, as outlined in Variety’s comprehensive feature, represents a convergence of literary faithfulness, atmospheric directorial vision, and seasoned acting talent. Lesley Manville’s return to the period genre, coupled with Paul Cohen’s evocative storytelling, sets the stage for a film that could become a landmark in the year’s cinematic offerings. The Variety article provides a robust roadmap for the film’s journey from page to screen, offering readers and cinephiles alike a clear sense of the stakes, the creative processes, and the cultural significance that will shape this ambitious project.
Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2025/film/global/lesley-manville-winter-of-the-crow-cohen-us-1236591662/ ]
