Martin Scorsese, one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, is preparing his next cinematic journey — and it promises to be both haunting and deeply human. The acclaimed director has chosen What Happens at Night as his 27th feature film, an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s eerie and allegorical novel. The project brings Leonardo DiCaprio back into Scorsese’s orbit for their seventh collaboration and introduces Jennifer Lawrence into the legendary director’s circle for the very first time.
Apple Original Films is currently in negotiations to finance and produce the movie, partnering with StudioCanal, the French production powerhouse known for backing films like JFK, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and more recently, Past Lives. With such a strong lineup of talent both in front of and behind the camera, What Happens at Night is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about upcoming films in Hollywood.
Scorsese and DiCaprio: A Legendary Partnership
Over the past two decades, Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio have formed one of the most successful director-actor duos in cinema history. Their journey began with Gangs of New York (2002) and has since produced acclaimed films like The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), Shutter Island (2010), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and most recently Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
Each film has explored different sides of DiCaprio’s acting range, from the reckless ambition of Jordan Belfort to the tortured morality of Billy Costigan. Their collaborations have consistently earned critical acclaim, awards recognition, and strong box office results. With What Happens at Night, they’re venturing into new territory — a ghost story with allegorical undertones.
Jennifer Lawrence Joins the Scorsese Universe
For Jennifer Lawrence, this marks her first time working with Scorsese as a director, though he recently produced her upcoming drama Die, My Love, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year and is set for release in November. Lawrence, an Academy Award winner for Silver Linings Playbook and one of the most versatile actors of her generation, will step into a role that demands both vulnerability and strength.
Her inclusion adds a new dynamic to Scorsese’s roster of collaborators, which already includes cinema greats like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, and more recently, Lily Gladstone.
The Story Behind What Happens at Night
Peter Cameron’s novel What Happens at Night is described as a ghost story, but its haunting quality lies in its allegorical themes rather than traditional horror. The narrative follows an unnamed American couple who travel to a snow-covered European city to adopt a child. The journey, however, becomes complicated by the wife’s battle with cancer, leaving her physically weak and vulnerable.
As they wait in a cavernous, almost otherworldly hotel, they encounter strange figures — a flamboyant singer, a morally questionable businessman, and a mysterious faith healer. These characters blur the lines between reality and fantasy, testing the couple’s resilience and faith. At its core, the novel explores love, mortality, and the human need for connection amidst uncertainty.
The atmosphere is chilling but deeply emotional, making it a perfect canvas for Scorsese’s storytelling style, which often blends realism with allegory and moral conflict.
Scorsese’s Recent Work and Streaming Collaborations
What Happens at Night also represents Scorsese’s continuing relationship with streaming giants and global studios. After decades of working primarily with Paramount and Warner Bros., Scorsese has embraced new avenues of distribution.
- With Netflix, he delivered The Irishman (2019), a sprawling gangster epic.
- With Apple, he released Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), a critically acclaimed drama that earned multiple Academy Award nominations.
Now, Apple is once again stepping in to back Scorsese’s vision, with StudioCanal bringing its international expertise to the table. This collaboration ensures the project will have both prestige and global reach.
Why This Film Matters
Scorsese’s choice to adapt What Happens at Night highlights his unending curiosity as a filmmaker. At nearly 82 years old, he continues to push boundaries and explore new genres. While best known for crime dramas, Scorsese has never shied away from experimenting, whether it’s the religious exploration of Silence, the satirical comedy of The King of Comedy, or the dark fantasy of Hugo.
A ghost story rooted in allegory and emotional depth fits seamlessly into his broader interest in the human condition — especially themes of faith, mortality, and redemption. For DiCaprio, it offers another chance to tackle a layered, challenging role under a director who has helped shape some of his finest performances. For Lawrence, it’s an opportunity to add a Scorsese film to her already impressive career.
The Legacy of Peter Cameron on Screen
This isn’t the first time Peter Cameron’s work has been adapted for the big screen. His previous novels have inspired three films: The Weekend (1999), The City of Your Final Destination (2009), and Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You (2011). Each adaptation carried a contemplative tone, much like his prose.
With Scorsese at the helm, What Happens at Night is likely to become the most high-profile adaptation of Cameron’s work yet, potentially bringing the author’s unique storytelling to a wider global audience.
Conclusion
Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night isn’t just another addition to his filmography — it’s a convergence of world-class talent, a deeply moving story, and a bold genre choice for a director still evolving in his 80s. With Leonardo DiCaprio returning to familiar territory and Jennifer Lawrence stepping into Scorsese’s cinematic world for the first time, anticipation is already sky-high.
The film promises a haunting, atmospheric exploration of love, mortality, and the strange encounters that shape us. If history is any indicator, Scorsese will once again deliver a film that blends artistry with emotional resonance, ensuring that What Happens at Night becomes a must-watch for cinephiles worldwide.