Martin Scorsese Set to Direct Psychological Ghost Story "What Happens at Night" Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence

Martin Scorsese Set to Direct Psychological Ghost Story "What Happens at Night" Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence

Renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese is officially committed to directing his next feature film, "What Happens at Night," a haunting psychological ghost story adapted from Peter Cameron's 2020 novel. This project marks the seventh collaboration between Scorsese and his frequent leading man Leonardo DiCaprio, while also bringing Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence into the fold for the first time under Scorsese's direction. The film is shaping up as a significant creative endeavor for Scorsese, who continues to explore complex narratives at the age of 82.

The story centers on a married American couple who travel to a snowy European town to adopt a baby. They check into a vast, nearly deserted hotel populated by mysterious and enigmatic characters including a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman, and a charismatic faith healer. As the couple struggles to legally claim their child, they begin to lose their grip on their own identities and the life they have built together. The screenplay adaptation is by Patrick Marber, known for his Oscar-nominated work on "Notes on a Scandal". Critics have noted thematic echoes of classics such as "The Shining" and "Twin Peaks," suggesting a deep psychological and atmospheric complexity to the narrative akin to Scorsese and DiCaprio's earlier film "Shutter Island."

Produced jointly by Apple Original Films and Studiocanal, the film is set to begin production in January 2026. This collaboration is a natural extension of Apple’s existing first-look deals with Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and DiCaprio’s Appian Way production companies. Studiocanal had acquired the novel’s rights in 2023 with Scorsese initially attached as a producer, but his decision to direct amplifies the project’s prestige and significance.

This project represents Scorsese and DiCaprio’s seventh feature film together, a partnership that began with 2002’s "Gangs of New York" and has produced many acclaimed films, including "The Aviator," "The Departed," and "Shutter Island." For Jennifer Lawrence, this marks her first opportunity to work with Scorsese as director, although he previously produced her film "Die, My Love," which debuted at Cannes.

With both DiCaprio and Lawrence currently enjoying critical success—DiCaprio recently praised for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another" and Lawrence drawing acclaim at Cannes for "Die, My Love"—the film is generating considerable anticipation. Scorsese’s return to directing a psychologically intense storyline underscores his continued passion for storytelling that challenges audiences and explores deep human emotions.

In summary, "What Happens at Night" is not just a new film but a significant creative milestone uniting three major talents—Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Lawrence—in a story about adoption, identity, and the eerie boundaries between reality and the unknown. Fans and cinephiles alike can look forward to a gripping cinematic experience when production begins early next year.

This film adds another chapter to Scorsese’s illustrious career and promises to be a compelling addition to contemporary psychological thriller cinema. Watching these creative forces come together will be a highlight for movie lovers in 2026 and beyond.