British film and TV director Philip Barantini is set to direct the film adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s thriller short story ‘A Bostonian,’ according to The Hollywood Reporter. The adaptation will be developed by Kamala Films, with Damien Ober adapting the short story and Lehane serving as an executive producer.
The story, from the author of ‘Shutter Island,’ is set in the world of antique traders and estate sales. It follows Nathaniel Dodson, a mild-mannered rare book owner who becomes fixated on collecting rejection letters, stemming from his abandonment by his mother when he was young. When rumors spread about Dodson owning a rare and valuable first copy of ‘Tamerlane and Other Poems’ by A Bostonian (aka Edgar Allen Poe), a mysterious woman claiming to be his long-lost sister appears at his doorstep. As they form a bond, it becomes clear that neither of them is exactly who they claim to be.
Barantini, who will also serve as an executive producer through his It’s All Made Up Productions banner, recently directed the drama thriller ‘Accused’ for Netflix. He is set to return to the streaming platform for a four-part crime drama titled ‘Adolescence.’ His second feature film, ‘Boiling Point,’ received four BAFTA nominations in 2022 and has been adapted into a series sequel by the BBC. Barantini is represented by CAA, the UK’s Independent Talent, Grandview, and JSSK, according to The Hollywood Reporter.