Angelina Jolie’s latest directorial effort set for big screen debut

Angelina Jolie is returning to the director’s chair as her latest film Without Blood finally heads to US cinemas this September after making its debut on the festival circuit.

The 51-year-old Oscar-winning actress has adapted the acclaimed novel by Italian author Alessandro Baricco into a powerful drama. 

Starring Salma Hayek Pinault and Demián Bichir, the film is set in the aftermath of an unnamed conflict and follows the emotional toll violence leaves behind.

After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, Without Blood has now been picked up by Brainstorm Media for a US theatrical release on September 18.

Opening up about the project, Angelina said she hopes the film will encourage audiences to reflect on trauma and healing in the same way Baricco intended when he wrote the novel.

She praised her cast and crew for bringing “emotional intimacy and openness” to the production.

The Maleficent actress added that Salma and Demián delivered “brave performances” capable of sparking meaningful conversations.

Salma, who previously shared the screen with her in Eternals, was equally full of praise for the filmmaker. 

She described working under Angelina’s direction as a “profoundly enriching experience”, saying her emotional sensitivity gave the story extraordinary depth.

The Mr. & Mrs. Smith actress added that the visually striking film explores revenge, guilt and humanity with honesty, and said she was delighted American audiences would now get the chance to experience it on the big screen.

Industry bosses have also backed the project, with Brainstorm Media describing the film as a timely and moving reminder of the devastating human cost of war.

It's worth noting that Without Blood marks Angelina’s fourth feature as a director, following In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father, further cementing her growing reputation behind the camera.

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