Quick Links
We’ve seen Batman vs. Superman, Captain America vs. Iron Man, and Freddy Krueger vs. Jason Voorhees, but the end of 2023 will introduce an all-new heavyweight match-up between renowned psychologistSigmund Freud(Anthony Hopkins) andThe Chronicles of NarniaauthorC.S. Lewis(Matthew Goode). This will all be chronicled indirectorMatt Brown’s upcoming drama,Freud’s Last Session. Unlike those aforementioned match-ups between superheroes and slasher villains, this conflict between the two prominent historical figures will not be settled through violent fisticuffs but through articulate debate.
As those who are familiar with Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis already know, the two brilliant scholars could not be more different from each other. Sigmund Freud was one of the most revered and influential psychiatrists ever to live and a well-known atheist despite being raised Jewish in his home country of Austria. English novelist C.S. Lewis, on the other hand, was a highly respected scholar and follower of Anglican Christianity, with most of his fiction and non-fiction work serving as allegories for the religion (especially withinThe Chronicles of Narniaseries).
Now,Freud’s Last Sessionintroduces a hypothetical scenario of what would happen if Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis debated the efficacy of religion and the existence of a higher power behind closed doors. While a meeting such as this never actually occurred in real life, it’s a fascinating concept for historical fiction and one that is sure to generate Awards season buzz. To learn more about this engaging debate between two of history’s greatest minds, as well as its cast, trailer, release date, and more, here is everything we know so far aboutFreud’s Last Session.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on December 6.
Freud’s Last Session
The movie’s story sees Freud invite iconic author C.S. Lewis to debate the existence of God. And his unique relationship with his daughter, and Lewis' unconventional relationship with his best friend’s mother.
When is ‘Freud’s Last Session’ Coming to US Theaters?
Freud’s Last Sessionmade its festival debut earlier this year on October 27, at the 2023 AFI Film Festival. The film will begin its limited theatrical run whenFreud’s Last Sessionbegins onFriday, December 22, just in time for Christmas.
Where Can You Watch ‘Freud’s Last Session’?
As mentioned above,Freud’s Last Sessionwill be available to see exclusively in theaters following its limited theatrical premiere in late December. Plans for a streaming release at a later date have not been announced at this time. That said, being distributed by Sony Pictures Classics does give a hint at whereFreud’s Last Sessioncould be coming to streaming at a later time. While Sony does not have an in-house streaming platform of its own, the company does frequently collaborate with Netflix to bring its catalog of content to streaming. Earlier in 2023,Sony partnered up with Netflix to bring its blockbuster superhero sequel,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, to the streaming platform, so Netflix is a likely possibility forFreud’s Last Session’s streaming home.
Does ‘Freud’s Last Session’ Have a Trailer?
Sony Pictures Classics released the first trailer forFreud’s Last Sessionon October 25, just two days before it premiered at the 2023 AFI Film Festival. The trailer begins with C.S. Lewis arriving at Sigmund Freud’s humble abode just before he gets a good luck pep talk from Sigmund’s daughter,Anna Freud(Liv Lisa Fries). Once inside, Freud and Lewis begin their profound meeting of the minds, exchanging clever wordplay and profound anecdotes. Their philosophical debate will likely primarily take place in Freud’s home. Still, the trailer does seem to include various flashbacks and existential moments, such as a deep dive into C.S. Lewis' time as a soldier in the Great War.
On August 10, 2025, anew trailer forFreud’s Last Sessionwas released, which you’re able to see below:
Who Stars in ‘Freud’s Last Session’?
Bringing to life the remarkably complex personality of Sigmund Freud istwo-time Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins. Though he may be best known for his bone-chilling performance asHannibal Lecter inThe Silence of the Lambs, Hopkins' prolific and diverse career requires no introduction, also being a major element of theThorfilms and his second Oscar-winning role inThe Father. Portraying Freud’s philosophical opponent opposite Hopkins is Matthew Goode as C.S. Lewis. An Emmy-nominated actor, theDownton Abbeystar is no stranger to historical dramas, both fiction and non-fiction, having played the villainous Morton inThe King’s ManandHugh Alexanderin the World War II dramaThe Imitation Game.
A significant figure in Sigmund Freud’s life is his daughter Anna Freud (who would later in life follow in her father’s footsteps and become a renowned psychologist in her own right). Anna will be portrayed byBabylon Berlinstar Liv Lisa Fries. Another notable addition to the cast is Goode’s fellowDownton AbbeystarStephen Campbell Moore, who will be playing C.S. Lewis' friend and colleagueJ.R.R. Tolkien. That name should sound familiar to fantasy novel fans everywhere, as Tolkien is the creator ofThe Lord of the Rings.
The cast also featuresJodi Balfour(Ted Lasso),Orla Brady(Star Trek: Picard),David Shields(The Crown),Pádraic Delaney(The Wind that Shakes the Barley),Rhys Mannion(Clean Sweep),Tarek Bishara(The Tale),Anna Amalie Blomeyer(Ernesto’s Island),Bary Buckley(Vikings), andGeorge Andrew-Clarke.
What Is ‘Freud’s Last Session’ About?
The official plot synopsis forFreud’s Last Sessionreads as follows:
“On the eve of the Second World War, two of the greatest minds of the twentieth century, C.S. LEWIS and SIGMUND FREUD converge for their own personal battle over the existence of God. FREUD’S LAST SESSION interweaves the lives of Freud and Lewis, past, present, and through fantasy, bursting from the confines of Freud’s study on a dynamic journey.”
Who Is Making ‘Freud’s Last Session’?
DirectingFreud’s Last Sessionis filmmaker Matt Brown, who previously directed theDev Patel-starring biopicThe Man Who Knew Infinity, which told the story of brilliant Indian mathematicianSrinivasa Ramanujan. The screenplay forFreud’s Last Sessionwas written by screenwriter and playwrightMark St. Germain, who previously wrote the orphaned cheetah family dramaDuma.
Also attached to the crew ofFreud’s Last Sessionare composerCoby Brown(The Man Who Knew Infinity), cinematographerBen Smithard(The Father), editorPaul Tothill(Pride & Prejudice), production designerLuciana Arrighi(Sense and Sensibility), and art directorTaine King, who previously worked on the art department for many ofRidley Scott’s recent features likeHouse of GucciandNapoleon.
Another C.S. Lewis Adaptation is in the Works at Netflix with a Reboot of ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’
IfFreud’s Last Sessionreally does come to Netflix, it would actually be the perfect place for it. That’s because the streaming giant has big plans for Lewis' most prolific and beloved work,The Chronicles of Narniafranchise. Earlier in 2023, Netflix announced thatBarbiefilmmakerGreta Gerwigwould be directing two film adaptations ofThe Chronicles of Narnia, hoping to kickstart a new franchise of the beloved and much-adapted source material.Filming on the project is expected to begin in 2024.
