Kristin Scott Thomas turns family tragedy into box office gold as she directs Scarlett Johansson in her most personal film yet

British actress Kristin Scott Thomas is set to release her directorial debut, My Mother’s Wedding, on August 8, featuring a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, and Emily Beecham. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival under the title North Star, tells a deeply personal story inspired by Thomas’s own family history.

According to People, the 65-year-old actress not only directs but also writes, produces, and stars in the film as Diana, a character based on her own mother. The story follows three sisters, played by Johansson, Miller, and Beecham, who gather for their mother’s third wedding following the deaths of her previous two husbands.

Thomas drew inspiration from her real-life experiences, having lost her father at age 5 and her stepfather at age 12, both Royal Navy pilots who died in service. This personal connection adds depth to the story, as she transforms her family tragedy into what promises to be a compelling film.

How the family dynamics unfold in this emotional drama

The film explores complex family relationships as Diana’s daughters struggle to accept their mother’s new marriage. Miller portrays Victoria, a famous actress, while Beecham plays Georgina, a palliative nurse, and Johansson takes on the role of Katherine, a Royal Navy captain.

Set in the English countryside, the story focuses on a weekend family gathering to celebrate Diana’s wedding. The celebration becomes a catalyst for both mother and daughters to face their past and look toward their future, accompanied by an unexpected group of wedding guests.

Thomas co-wrote the screenplay with her husband, John Micklethwait, whom she married in November. Their collaboration brings authenticity to the story, particularly in scenes where Diana confronts her daughters about their reluctance to accept her new relationship, saying, “He is the man I love,” and “He makes me happy. Which, when you all eventually grow up, you will learn is the most important thing.”

The film, distributed by Vertical Entertainment, represents a new chapter in Thomas’s career, as she steps behind the camera while maintaining her on-screen presence. This multi-faceted involvement in the project showcases her range as an artist, while her personal connection to the story adds an extra layer of authenticity to this family drama.