Kingsley Ben-Adir & Archie Madekwe in “The Arrival”

A compelling new cinematic project is on the horizon as rising British talents Kingsley Ben-Adir and Archie Madekwe are set to portray brothers in Bijan Sheibani’s feature directorial debut, ‘The Arrival’. The film, backed by ‘Conclave’ producers House Productions and Michael Fassbender’s DMC Film, promises a poignant exploration of identity, family, and betrayal. With an acclaimed theater director at the helm and a strong producing team, ‘The Arrival’ has already generated significant interest within the industry, having wrapped filming under the radar across the U.K. and London.

“The Arrival”: A Deep Dive into Family Ties and Hidden Truths

‘The Arrival’ is described as a “gut-wrenching depiction of identity, obsession and betrayal”. The narrative centers on the reunion of two long-lost brothers, Raheem, played by Archie Madekwe, and Tom, portrayed by Kingsley Ben-Adir. Tom, the elder sibling, was given up for adoption as an infant, leading to a lifetime apart. The film delves into the “exhilarating and uncanny experience” of these blood brothers meeting for the first time in adulthood. As their relationship deepens, they are drawn into the idea of their shared history finally making sense, only to confront uncomfortable truths rooted in their family’s past. This includes unraveling the “impossible decision” their parents, played by Joanna Scanlan and Alex Descas, made three decades prior.

Bijan Sheibani’s Vision: From Stage to Screen

‘The Arrival’ marks the highly anticipated feature directorial debut of award-winning theater director Bijan Sheibani. Sheibani’s acclaimed play of the same name serves as the foundation for the film’s script. An Olivier Award winner, Sheibani is celebrated for his profound theatrical works, including “Till the Stars Come Down” for the National Theatre, which successfully transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. His extensive theater directing credits also include “Dance Nation” (Almeida Theatre), “Barber Shop Chronicles” (National Theatre), and “The Brothers Size” (Young Vic). His transition to film, following his writing contribution to multiple episodes of “One Day” for Netflix, highlights his versatility and storytelling prowess.

A Distinguished Ensemble Cast

The film boasts a compelling cast led by two of Britain’s most exciting actors. Kingsley Ben-Adir, known for his roles in “Bob Marley: One Love” and “Barbie,” takes on the character of Tom. Archie Madekwe, who has recently gained acclaim for his performances in “Lurker” and “Saltburn,” plays the younger brother, Raheem. Their on-screen dynamic as reunited siblings is expected to be a central emotional anchor of the film. Supporting them are veteran actors Joanna Scanlan, recognized for her work in “After Love” and “Joy,” and Alex Descas, celebrated for “Let the Sunshine In” and “Raising Colours”. Scanlan and Descas portray the parents whose past decisions are pivotal to the brothers’ story.

Behind the Scenes: Production Powerhouses

‘The Arrival’ benefits from the involvement of esteemed production companies, including Michael Fassbender’s DMC Film and House Productions, known for their work on the BAFTA-nominated film ‘Conclave’. The film was developed by Sheibani alongside Film4, DMC Film (“Kneecap,” “Calm With Horses”), and House Productions (“Conclave,” “The Iron Claw”), who also co-produced the project. Co-financing for the film comes from Film4 and the BFI, which awarded National Lottery funding.

The production team features a strong lineup of talent: BAFTA Award winner and Emmy Award nominee Tessa Ross (“Conclave,” “Slumdog Millionaire”), and Emmy Award nominee Juliette Howell (“Brexit: The Uncivil War,” “Conclave”) are producing for House Productions, alongside BIFA winner Theo Barrowclough (“Scrapper,” “Mint”). From DMC Film, Oscar and BAFTA nominee Michael Fassbender, BIFA and BAFTA nominee Daniel Emmerson, and Conor McCaughan serve as producers. Nell Green also produces, with David Kimbangi as executive producer for Film4 and Ama Ampadu for the BFI.

Anticipation and Industry Endorsement

The project has garnered enthusiastic support from its financiers and producers. David Kimbangi, senior commissioning executive at Film4, expressed pride in seeing ‘The Arrival’ come to life, noting, “The calibre of the cast and crew that have attached to the film is testament to Bijan’s undeniable writing, his reputation in theatre, and it has been a joy collaborating with him, Theo Barrowclough, and our partners at the BFI”. Ama Ampadu, senior production and development executive at the BFI, highlighted Sheibani’s unique voice, stating, “In ‘The Arrival,’ Bijan Sheibani is bringing his unique voice and style to create a film that deftly explores issues of identity and roads not taken”. She further commended the “fantastic team and an exciting cast, led by Archie Madekwe and Kingsley Ben-Adir, to create a gripping, striking and heartfelt debut feature”. Cornerstone is managing worldwide sales and introduced the project at the American Film Market.

Conclusion

‘The Arrival’ stands as a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and strong creative collaboration. With Bijan Sheibani transitioning his acclaimed theatrical work to the screen, and the formidable talents of Kingsley Ben-Adir and Archie Madekwe at its heart, the film is poised to deliver a deeply emotional and thought-provoking narrative. Backed by industry heavyweights like Michael Fassbender’s DMC Film and ‘Conclave’ producers House Productions, this cinematic endeavor promises to be a significant addition to the landscape of British cinema, exploring universal themes of identity, family, and the enduring impact of past choices.