Debutant director Jennifer E Montgomery's psychological thriller This Tempting Madness is scheduled to have its first-ever public screening in the world at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa. The film, starring Simone Ashley of Bridgerton and The Devil Wears Prada 2 fame and Suraj Sharma, known for Life of Pi and Gulmohar, will have an IFFI Gala screening on November 27, Thursday. The film also stars Austin Stowell of NCIS: Origins fame and Zenobia Shroff, known for The Marvels, among others. It is billed as one of IFFI's most anticipated films.
The plot follows Mia, played by Ashley, who comes out of comatose following an almost-fatal accident, only to find out that her spouse is missing. With her past now shattered and not being able to trust her memories any longer, Mia only has a quietly vigilant family, suggesting that she is perhaps not fully beyond the danger that she fears.
Smoke Jumper Films is the producer of the film, which marks Montgomery's directorial debut. Speaking about This Tempting Madness, she sated, "The film speaks to the fragility of memory and the terror of losing trust in yourself. It grew out of a close friend’s devastating ordeal. Her unimaginable story is impossible to shake and demanded a cinematic life."
Talking about its world premiere, she commented, "To debut the film at IFFI, in front of an audience that appreciates bold, global storytelling, is an incredible privilege. The team and I look forward to presenting our film to IFFI audiences."
Sharma, who is set to attend the premiere, said, "IFFI has a remarkable energy, and the audiences here are deeply engaged with cinema. The last time I was at the festival was for Life of Pi, and it was unforgettable. I can’t wait to see how audiences respond to this film."
