Jesse Eisenberg and Mia Wasikowska Co-Star

Having garnered significant attention when screened as 'The Double' in the competition section of last year's Tokyo International Film Festival, 'The Double' is finally released after a year's anticipation. It unfolds an eccentric world, rich with Dostoevsky's absurdist literature, dark humor, and romance, masterfully crafted by a visionary director.

The film is helmed by Richard Ayoade, who is also active as a comedian and actor, and this marks his second feature film. His debut, 'Submarine,' was also screened at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival in 2011, and its unique worldview earned him critical acclaim both in Japan and internationally, rapidly establishing his reputation as a filmmaker. 'The Double' is the latest creation from this new generation of British cinematic talent.



The lead role is played by Jesse Eisenberg, known for 'The Social Network' (2010). In this film, he takes on his first dual role, brilliantly portraying two characters who share the same appearance but have opposite personalities. The heroine is played by Mia Wasikowska, from 'Alice in Wonderland' (2010)Stoker(2012), forming a dynamic pairing of young, talented actors.

Simon is Drawn into an Unforeseen Situation by His Identical Double

Simon leads a mundane existence, overlooked by his superiors and colleagues, due to his introverted nature, lack of social grace, and general lack of presence. He harbors a crush on his colleague Hannah but struggles to even speak to her.

One day, the promising newcomer James joins the company. To Simon's astonishment, James looks exactly like him. While Simon is unremarkable, James is suave and popular. Despite their identical appearance but contrasting personalities, Simon finds himself increasingly manipulated by James's influence, eventually being pulled into an unforeseen turn of events.


Director Richard Ayoade crafts a unique world, reminiscent of Terry Gilliam and David Lynch, with its retro and peculiar aesthetic, further enhanced by the inclusion of 1960s Japanese pop songs by artists like Kyu Sakamoto and The Blue Comets. This eccentric absurdist thriller, a collaboration between a visionary director and Hollywood's young talents, leaves a profound and lasting impression on the audience long after viewing.

The Double
Nationwide release from Saturday, November 8th, at Cinema Rise and other theaters
Directed and Co-Written by Richard Ayoade
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn, Yasmin Paige, Noah Taylor
Distributed by ESPACES SAROU
2013 / UK / 93 minutes
http://waraubunshin-espacesarou.com
© Channel Four Television Corporation, The British Film Institute, Alcove Double Limited 2013