David Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars may be perceived as a Hollywood satire, but the latest trailer for the upcoming Focus World release plays up the film’s dark side.
Set to suspenseful music that one might expect to score the preview for an action movie or a thriller, the latest look at the film features onscreen text that reads, “Hidden in the hills are hopes, dreams and secrets.”
The trailer begins with Julianne Moore’s diva actress whining to her agent on the phone before introducing Mia Wasikowska’s mysterious outsider, who arrives from “Jupiter,” she says, and ends up working for Moore.
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The preview hints at the troubled past and tense dynamic between Wasikowska’s character and a Hollywood family consisting of child star Benjie (Evan Bird), his self-help guru dad (John Cusack) and his momager, Cristina (Olivia Williams).
Intercut with scenes about how Moore’s character hopes that a role in the remake of a movie her mother starred in could enable her to make a comeback are shots designed to make it seem like Wasikowska’s character is dangerous.
Maps to the Stars, written by Bruce Wagner, also stars Robert Pattinson, reteaming with his Cosmopolis director in the ensemble drama.
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The film, which premiered at Cannes and screened at the Toronto and New York film festivals, received a Golden Globe-qualifying run, which helped Moore score a best actress in a musical or comedy nomination. But Maps is being released in the U.S. in theaters, on demand and on iTunes on Feb. 27.
Watch the trailer above.