Heretic Finishes Tycoon Family Drama with ‘Poor Things’ Star Willem Dafoe

EXCLUSIVE: Acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe, who recently starred in the Oscar-nominated film Poor Things and can next be seen in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has just wrapped filming the family drama Birthday Party produced by Greek production house Heretic.

The project, previously kept under wraps, is directed by Miguel Angel Jimenéz and based on Panos Karnezis’ novel of the same name. Dafoe stars alongside Emma Suarez, Joe Cole, and Vic Carmen Sonne. The additional cast includes Christos Stergioglou, Carlos Cuevas, Antonis Tsiotsiopoulos, Fransesc Garrido, Maria Pau Pigem, Pelle Heikkilä, and Elsa Lekkakou.

Set in the late 1970s, somewhere in the Mediterranean, the story centers on Marcos Timoleon, an Aristotle Onassis-like tycoon who throws a lavish birthday party for his daughter Sofia on his private island. The event becomes a platform for various individuals in Marcos’ life to pursue their own agendas. However, Marcos, known for his ruthless control, is secretly making a significant decision regarding Sofia’s future.

Sofia also has important news to share. As guests arrive and the night unfolds, the party becomes increasingly rowdy and decadent, culminating in a poignant clash between father and daughter.

Birthday Party is produced by Heretic’s Giorgos Karnavas, who co-wrote the script with Jimenéz and Nicos Panayotopoulos. Co-producers include Adria Mones for Fasten Films, Erik Glijnis and Leontine Petit for Lemming Film, and Kurban Kassam for Raucous Pictures.

The film, a Greek-Spanish-Dutch-UK co-production, wrapped principal photography on August 17. Filming took place in Corfu and Athens, Greece.

“It’s a story I’ve carried for almost 15 years. This fact speaks volumes about its importance to me,” said Karnavas. “It’s been an intense journey to bring it to life, and I believe our stellar cast and crew shared incredible moments during its making. I’m proud of the path we walked with Miguel Angel, and I hope this energy resonates in the final material.”

Jimenéz added, “I am incredibly proud and grateful to have worked with such an exceptional cast and crew. Being surrounded by multiple languages and diverse perspectives during filming was an amazing experience. I aimed to create a space where everyone felt at home, even if far from their actual homes—a place where they were free to express their feelings. I want to believe this sense of belonging is reflected in the film.”

Birthday Party received funding from the Greek Film Center, ICEC, The Netherlands Film Fund, and the Global Screen Fund BFI. Backers include Kalamata Films, Eolo Films, Ekome, ERT, Hopeless Romantic, Osmyx Film Clinic, and Front Stage.

Jimenéz’s past credits include Window to the Sea (2020), starring Suarez, as well as Ori, Chaika, and the documentaries Days of El Abanico and A God In Each Lentil.

Heretic, the Greek powerhouse behind the film, boasts an impressive portfolio, including the triple Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness and BAFTA winner How to Have Sex. Recent titles from Heretic include Swimming Home by Justin Anderson, featuring Ralph Fiennes, and Uberto Pasolini’s The Return. Other notable upcoming films are Pablo Larraín’s Maria and Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s Hot Milk, set for early 2025 release.