While one facet of race and historical inequality is explored in 12 Years A Slave, Amma Asante’s new film Belle promises to look at similar ideas. The first trailer has arrived and can be viewed below.
Based on a true story, the plot follows Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral (Matthew Goode), who is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson). While her bloodlines afford her certain privilege she would otherwise never know, her presence also causes no litle social problems, while her future in a country that still allows slavery is in question.
With Mbatha-Raw wining plaudits in the lead role, the film also features an impressive roll call of talent including Tom Felton, Susan Gadon, Alex Jennings and Sam Reid. Belle is set for release in May across the pond, but doesn’t seem to have a firm UK date yet.