Notice to fans of the unique productions of Wes Anderson ! The famous American director returns for four short films inspired by the famous black tales of Roald Dahl.
It all started in 2021, when Netflix bought the company Roald Dahl Story Company in charge of the rights of the author’s catalog for $686 million. Upon learning this news, Wes Anderson approached the platform with the red N which has already been released in 2022 Matildathe hit musical.
Her wish ? Adapting works by the famous British writer of whom he has been a fan for years to the small screen. Indeed, Wes Anderson had already directed in 2009 Fantastic Mr. Foxan adaptation of the eponymous novel by the author of Charlie and the chocolate factory died in 1990. A film very appreciated by heirs by Roald Dahl, who given the approval to Wes Anderson to direct other productions.
But what do these four short films on which Netflix has set its sights have in store for us? Answer !
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
©Netflix
In only 37 minutesthis film plunges us directly into the world of Henry Sugar, A dandy addicted to games. One day, in the family library, he discovered old report from a doctor who describes a strange indian patient, able to see despite having his eyes sewn shut. But when reading this book, Henry was far from imagining that he would discover the formula allowing him, like this patient, to see without his eyes.
Wishing business to pleasure, Henry will use his new power in many casinos in Europe and the United States. But as the plot progresses, Henry will realize that his power can be used for much more important and noble causes to defend.
Cast : Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Rupert Friend, Richard Ayoade, Ben Kingsley.
Duration : 37 minutes
The Swan
©Netflix
Shortly after receiving a new rifle from his father, Ernie joins his friend Raymond to test the weapon for hunting. Not far from a railway track, they encounter Peter Watson, their greatest enemy. Brilliant and puny, this young boy forces these two classmates to go and collect the birds they kill, including a magnificent swan…
A superb adaptation dealing with harassmentof the’intimidation and some human cruelty !
Cast : Rupert Friend, Ralph Fiennes, Asa Jennings
Duration : 17 minutes
The Rat Catcher
©Netflix
In a small provincial town, a terrible rat invasion disturbs the calm of the inhabitants. No one knows how to get rid of these pests that are swarming all over the city.
Shortly after, a exterminator, is sent by the municipality to take care of this problem. After placing poison in their food, Claude discovers that the rats are not dead. Disappointed by this failure, he tries to make amends with the inhabitants by showing them that he was capable of killing a rat himself, without using his hands, arms, legs or feet. But how will he go about it?
Cast: Richard Ayoade, Ralph Fiennes, Rupert Friend
Duration : 17 minutes
Poison
©Netflix
The plot takes place in India, during the era of British rule. Timber Woods goes to his friend’s house Harry Pope, bedridden, immobile and above all panicked. The reason ? A venomous snakethe krait, has crept onto his stomach, under the covers, and risks biting him at any moment.
Very quickly Timber calls the Dr Ganderbai, a local doctor, who rushes to help him. Timber and the doctor try everything possible to keep the snake away from Harry. But gradually, the two men realize that there is in fact no snake on Harry… Did he make it all up? Is a snake really hiding under your bed? To be continued!
Cast: Dev Patel, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley
Duration : 17 minutes
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