Forget everything you know about the somber, gray world of 17th-century Puritanism. The film Cavendish is set to prove that the witch hunts of 1645 weren’t just about paranoia. They were also the perfect backdrop for an “irreverent and original” action-thriller. Billed as a visceral blend of high-stakes violence and sharp, biting humor, the film aims to subvert the “powerless victim” trope by giving its leading ladies a lot more than just a broomstick to fight back with.
The Hunt is On
The story kicks off on what should have been a lovely wedding day for a privileged young bride, played by “Yellowjackets” star Sophie Thatcher. Instead of a “happily ever after,” she finds herself slapped with a witchcraft accusation. She is pursued by a relentless witch hunter, portrayed by Joe Alwyn. To survive the ordeal, she’s forced into a begrudging alliance with a sharp-witted poacher, played by Erin Kellyman. Together, this unlikely duo decides that instead of running, they’ll turn their supposed powerlessness into a weaponized force of defiance and grit.
A Prestige Powerhouse Behind the Scenes
Written and directed by Christopher Andrews, Cavendish is backed by a formidable lineup of BAFTA-winning producers. That includes Ivana MacKinnon and Emily Leo, as well as the teams from Wild Swim Films, January Films, and Madants. The production has “prestige thriller” written all over it. The project was developed in partnership with BBC Film and is benefiting from funding from the Polish Film Institute, signaling a high-octane production scale for this period piece.
A Summer Start
Cornerstone is set to kick off international sales at Cannes, while CAA Media Finance handles the domestic side. Producers are calling the script a total “page-turner.” Reportedly, it balances a wicked sense of humor with a bold subversion of traditional female roles. If you’ve been waiting for a British period piece that trades tea and crumpets for tactical survival and dark comedy, keep your eyes peeled.
Cavendish is scheduled to begin production in Poland in September 2026.
