The Daily Telegraph on Thursday released the full trailer for Confession, the upcoming historical drama written by company co-founder Ben Shapiro and starring a talented cast of Hollywood talent. The film is a gripping lesson in faith, truth, and courage under one of the cruelest regimes in history.
Set in 1938 Stalin’s Soviet Union, “Confession” stars Rob Lowe as Alexei, a disillusioned former literature professor who is arrested and imprisoned in the notorious Lubyanka prison. There, Alexei faces interrogation by his brilliant and cruel former student Vladimir (played by James Franco).
The new trailer gives us a glimpse into the storyline and sets the tone for how the film will unfold. In the film, Alexei must face a devastating choice: betray his beliefs or face the consequences of refusing to cooperate with a regime determined to suppress dissent. This psychological drama explores faith, redemption, morality, and the courage it takes to stand up for what you believe in, when doing so may cost you everything.
The film features an award-nominated cast including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Cody Smit-McPhee, Nick Nolte, Emile Hirsch, Brad Dourif, Dean Norris and Richard Blake. Czech filmmaker Vaclav Malhoor, whose credits include the critically acclaimed historical drama The Painted Bird, directed the film.
For Shapiro, “Confessions” is an opportunity to tell a story that has meaning far beyond its historical context.
“I wrote Confessions because I think we as a whole, in the West, have largely forgotten what’s important,” he said. “We have forgotten the lessons of history: what communism actually did to people, and how seductive a materialistic worldview still is. We have forgotten that virtue requires something above us, that God must guide our choices, because if He doesn’t, something else will. We have also forgotten the use of courage: to stand up for what is right when it costs you everything and no one is right.”
“Where do our values come from? What are we willing to sacrifice for them? What makes life meaningful, even in the face of cruelty and pain? These questions become deeply personal in the film,” Shapiro continued.
The film’s themes emerged as socialism gained renewed attention in American politics, with democratic socialism attracting a new generation of supporters. “Confessions” is a stark reminder of what happens when this ideology comes into full effect.
Confessions will be released exclusively on The Daily Telegraph on November 11, with a one-night screening in 100 cinemas nationwide. These screenings are exclusive to Telegraph members and are your only chance to see The Telegraphrepent” On the big screen. Find a theater near you and buy tickets at dailywire.com/findtheater.