By Jon Donnis
Emblem Pictures is stepping into the UK distribution scene with a bold start. The company has unveiled the first trailer and key artwork for its debut feature, Desperate Journey, a fast-paced thriller set in 1940s Paris. Directed by Emmy Award-winning Annabel Jankel and penned by two-time Academy Award nominee Michael Radford, the film promises a stylish blend of historical tension and cinematic spectacle.
The story follows Freddie Knoller, portrayed by Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen, who is forced to flee Vienna as the Nazis advance. Stranded and desperate, Freddie finds work at a notorious Parisian burlesque club, a glittering but perilous world frequented by high-ranking Nazis. There, he falls for the lead showgirl and becomes entwined in a dangerous chain of events that will change his life forever. Clara Rugaard, Til Schweiger, and Steven Berkoff round out a strong cast, giving the period thriller both depth and charisma.
On the technical side, the film benefits from a high-calibre team. Editing is handled by Academy Award nominee Jon Harris, while BAFTA and Emmy nominee Ilan Eshkeri provides a full orchestral score. Sound design reaches cinematic heights with a Dolby Atmos mix by Academy Award winner Richard Pryke. The original soundtrack will be released by Sony Music in November 2025, ahead of the nationwide cinema release on November 28. Desperate Journey looks set to combine gripping historical drama with first-rate production values, marking a striking debut for Emblem Pictures.
