Billie Eilish to Star in ‘The Bell Jar’ Adaptation Directed by Sarah Polley

Billie Eilish is in advanced talks to make her feature film acting debut in an adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s 1963 novel, The Bell Jar. The project, directed and written by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, is being produced by Plan B Entertainment and StudioCanal, with Focus Features set to distribute in the U.S. Deadline first reported the news.

A Darkly Introspective Role for Eilish

Eilish will play Esther Greenwood, the novel’s protagonist, a young woman grappling with mental illness and societal pressures in 1950s America. The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical operate mirroring Plath’s own experiences with depression, tragically published just a month before her death by suicide. Rolling Stone notes the material aligns well with Eilish’s artistic persona, known for her soulful and introspective lyrics.

Polley’s Vision and Production Details

Sarah Polley, celebrated for her work on films like Women Talking (which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2022) and Away From Her, will direct the adaptation. Entertainment Weekly highlights this as Polley’s first project since Women Talking. Joy Gorman Wettels originated the project through her company Joy Coalition, packaging it with Eilish and Polley before partnering with Plan B and StudioCanal.

Eilish’s Previous Acting Experience

While The Bell Jar marks Eilish’s feature film debut, she previously appeared in the 2023 Prime Video series Swarm, playing a cult leader. Rolling Stone reports that Donald Glover, the creator of Swarm, praised Eilish’s storytelling ability and authenticity.

About The Bell Jar

Published in 1963, Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar has become a seminal work of American literature, translated into over forty languages. The novel explores themes of mental health, gender roles, and societal expectations, continuing to resonate with readers today. A previous film adaptation in 1979 received negative reviews.