Meet Jessica Chastain, the animal whisperer.
The Oscar-nominated actress is giving us all the feels with her interaction with lion cubs, zebras, and other 4-legged animals in the forthcoming emotional drama “The Zookeeper’s Wife”.
Based on Diane Ackerman’s 2007 nonfiction book of the same name, “The Zookeeper’s Wife” follows Antonina and Jan Zabinski’s real-life efforts in persevering the Warsaw Zoo and the ailing animals in their villa after their city was bombed during the Holocaust when the Germans invaded Poland.
“It was a wonderful story about not only animal nature vs. human nature but about radical compassion and humanity. The Zabinskis sheltered Jews at tremendous risk to themselves for a very simple reason: because it was the right thing to do,” said director Niki Caro.
Besides getting a first look at footage from this real-life tale, Focus Features has also released an official movie poster and a series of stills featuring the film’s leading lady treating the zoo creatures with tenderness and respect. Check it:
The official plot synopsis for “The Zookeeper’s Wife” reads:
“The real-life story of one working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during World War II. In 1939 Poland, Antonina Żabińska (portrayed by 2-time Academy Award nominee Jessica Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care.
“When their country is invaded by the Nazis, Jan and Antonina are stunned – and forced to report to the Reich’s newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, Antonina and Jan covertly begin working with the Resistance – and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.”
Watch the trailer here:
“The Zookeeper’s Wife” is expected to open in cinemas on 31st March 2017.
Sources: USA Today, Coming Soon.
