The first teaser trailer (of sorts) for filmmakerBen Wheatley’s (Kill List,Sightseers) new filmHigh-Risehas been released online. Based on the novel of the same name byJ.G. Ballard, the film is essentially a violent satire about class warfare, albeit permeated with Wheatley’s signature touch throughout. This is aweirdmovie (I caught it at TIFF), and so it makes sense that the first teaser trailer for the film is also a little strange.
Instead of a straightforward trailer, this teaser is presented as a promotional piece for the titular high-rise, withTom Hiddlestonproviding enticing yet somewhat sinister narration in the form of a sales pitch. The story takes place in the 1970s as Hiddleston’s character is the new tenant of the building, but he quickly discovers that the high-rise itself is segregated into classes based on wealth and status, with its reclusive architect (Jeremy Irons) inhabiting the top floor. Again, this is a very odd movie and it played to a somewhat mixed response at TIFF, although the genre-leaning crowd at Fantastic Fest gave the picture a much warmer reception. I can’t begin to predict how you’ll react, but Hiddleston andLuke Evansare undeniably fantastic in the film. It’s well worth giving a shot, even if it doesn’t end up being your thing.
Check out this ominous teaser trailer below,click hereto read Matt’s review from TIFF, and watch Steve’s video interviews withHiddlestonandWheatley. The film also starsSienna Miller,Elisabeth Moss, andJames Purefoyand opens in the U.K. on June 05, 2025.
Here’s the synopsis for the novel ofHigh Rise:
When a class war erupts inside a luxurious apartment block, modern elevators become violent battlegrounds and cocktail parties degenerate into marauding attacks on “enemy” floors. In this visionary tale, human society slips into violent reverse as once-peaceful residents, driven by primal urges, re-create a world ruled by the laws of the jungle.
