‘Behemoth!’ Trailer: Pedro Pascal Plays the Cello for Tony Gilroy in Classical Music Drama Co-Starring Olivia Wilde and Eva Victor

Tony Gilroy, known for his acclaimed 2007 legal thriller and work on major franchises, marks his return to feature film directing with "Behemoth!", a classical music drama set for release on December 4 by Searchlight Pictures. This film represents a shift from Gilroy’s recent involvement in high-profile tentpole projects, bringing him back to a more intimate storytelling mode.

At the center of "Behemoth!" is Pedro Pascal portraying Alex Serian, a talented cellist returning to Los Angeles after two decades spent touring. Music serves as the driving force of Alex’s journey, leading him into transformative experiences that reshape his life. Early glimpses from the trailer suggest Pascal undertakes some of his own cello performances, adding authenticity to his portrayal.

The supporting cast includes Eva Victor, who plays a significant role as Alex’s romantic interest. Victor, known for her work as a writer and director, brings nuanced depth to the narrative alongside Olivia Wilde, who both directs and stars in various projects but here appears in an acting capacity. Additionally, Will Arnett contributes to the ensemble, continuing his collaboration with Searchlight Pictures following his recent involvement in a comedy-drama.

"Behemoth!" draws further distinction through its musical score, crafted by a collective of nine renowned composers. This group, dubbed the Behemoth! Collective, features industry-leading names such as Michael Giacchino, James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, and Henry Jackman, among others. Their combined talents promise a rich and complex soundtrack that complements the film’s thematic focus on music and personal evolution.

The narrative’s Los Angeles setting serves as a backdrop for Alex’s reintegration into a life he left behind, exploring themes of identity, artistry, and the enduring power of music. With an ensemble cast that also includes Alexa Swinton, Kaya Ralls, Erik Griffin, JoBeth Williams, Margarita Levieva, and Hank Azaria, the film aims to build a layered character-driven story.

Production credits list Tony Gilroy alongside Sanne Wohlenberg and John Gilroy as producers, underscoring a collaborative familial and professional effort behind the scenes. The film’s title, punctuated with an exclamation mark, hints at an emphatic, possibly intense exploration of its subject matter.

Gilroy’s return to feature direction after more than a decade is notable, particularly given his recent high-profile writing and producing roles within the "Star Wars" universe and other large-scale productions. "Behemoth!" signifies a deliberate pivot back to character-focused drama, aligning with the tone and style of his earlier work.

As the film prepares for its theatrical release this December, details about the story remain relatively concise but promising. Its focus on a classical musician’s personal and artistic journey, supported by a distinguished cast and a powerhouse of composers, positions "Behemoth!" as a potential standout in the upcoming awards season.

In summary, "Behemoth!" offers a compelling blend of music-centered storytelling and strong performances under Gilroy’s direction. The involvement of celebrated artists both in front of and behind the camera reflects a project that is both artistically ambitious and rooted in personal narrative exploration, marking a significant moment in Gilroy’s directorial career and the film’s anticipated reception.