One of the most eagerly awaited films in recent Hollywood history is finally gearing up for production. What Happens at Night, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, brings together an extraordinary cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Mads Mikkelsen in a haunting psychological thriller that promises to blend supernatural unease with deep emotional turmoil. This adaptation of Peter Cameron’s acclaimed 2020 novel is set to deliver a slow-burning descent into paranoia, grief, and blurred realities, evoking comparisons to Scorsese’s own Shutter Island while carving its own path into the realm of atmospheric horror.
The story centers on an unnamed American couple, portrayed by DiCaprio and Lawrence, who embark on a journey to a remote, snow-swept European town with the hope of adopting a baby. Struggling with personal hardships—including illness and profound loss—they arrive at the Borgarfjaroasysla Grand Imperial Hotel, a vast, nearly deserted establishment that exudes an eerie grandeur. What begins as a quiet, introspective trip quickly spirals into something far more unsettling as the couple encounters a gallery of enigmatic locals: a flamboyant aging chanteuse, a charismatic faith healer, and a debauched businessman of apparent Scandinavian descent.
As days turn into nights in this isolated limbo, reality begins to fray. The couple’s pursuit of the child becomes entangled with mounting paranoia, where grief manifests in disturbing ways, and the line between the supernatural and psychological dissolves. Nothing feels safe; every shadow hides potential menace, and the hotel’s endless corridors and perpetually open bar amplify a sense of dread. The narrative explores themes of hope dashed against despair, the fragility of marriage under strain, and the desperate search for miracles in a world that offers few.
Scorsese, at 83, continues to push boundaries with this project, marking his seventh collaboration with DiCaprio—the duo behind masterpieces like The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon. DiCaprio takes on the role of the husband, a man unraveling amid the isolation, bringing his signature intensity to a character haunted by inner demons. Lawrence, in her first on-screen pairing with Scorsese (though he produced her recent buzzworthy film Die, My Love), portrays the wife, infusing the role with raw vulnerability and strength as she navigates illness and longing for motherhood.
The recent addition of Mads Mikkelsen has sent excitement soaring. The Danish actor, renowned for his magnetic presence in films like Casino Royale, Another Round, and the series Hannibal, is reportedly circling the role of the mysterious businessman—a debauched figure whose interactions with the couple add layers of intrigue and threat. Mikkelsen’s casting feels perfectly attuned to the character’s implied Scandinavian roots, promising a performance laced with charm, menace, and unpredictability. This marks his first collaboration with Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Lawrence, adding international flair to an already powerhouse ensemble.
The screenplay, adapted by Patrick Marber—known for his sharp, introspective work on Notes on a Scandal—faithfully captures the novel’s dreamlike quality while amplifying its thriller elements. Cameron’s book, praised for its subtle ghost story undertones and exploration of human frailty, provides rich material for Scorsese’s visual mastery. Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, a frequent collaborator on projects like The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon, is expected to craft stunning, claustrophobic visuals: endless snowscapes contrasting the hotel’s opulent yet decaying interiors, golden lamplight flickering against perpetual twilight.
Production is slated to begin in early 2026, with locations likely including the Czech Republic to evoke the unnamed European town’s icy isolation. Apple Original Films and Studiocanal are backing the project, ensuring a premium rollout—potentially theatrical before streaming on Apple TV+. This partnership aligns with Scorsese’s recent ventures, blending artistic ambition with wide accessibility.
What elevates What Happens at Night beyond standard thrillers is its emotional core. The couple’s adoption quest symbolizes a grasp for renewal amid grief, but the hotel’s odd inhabitants force confrontations with buried traumas. Supernatural hints—whispers of ghosts, unexplained occurrences—serve to heighten psychological unraveling rather than dominate with jumpscares. It’s a film about what haunts us internally: regret, illness, the fear of emptiness. Scorsese’s touch promises intellectual depth alongside visceral tension, much like his explorations of guilt and madness in past works.
DiCaprio has hinted at the project’s personal resonance, noting Scorsese’s passion for stories that probe the human psyche. Lawrence, coming off acclaimed dramatic turns, seems poised to deliver another transformative performance. Mikkelsen’s involvement adds an element of wild card energy—his ability to embody sophisticated villains or tormented souls could make his character a pivotal force in the couple’s descent.
In a cinematic landscape craving original adult dramas, this film stands out as a beacon of prestige storytelling. It reunites Scorsese with his muse DiCaprio while introducing fresh dynamics with Lawrence and Mikkelsen. Expectations are sky-high: could this be another Oscar contender in Scorsese’s unparalleled late-career renaissance?
As winter approaches and production looms, What Happens at Night captures the imagination like few upcoming projects. It’s a tale where hope arrives in a frozen town, only to thaw into nightmare. Prepare for a journey where every night conceals darker truths—and emergence into daylight feels uncertain. This is Scorsese at his most haunting, with a cast primed to deliver career-defining work. The wait may be agonizing, but the chills promise to be worth it.
