Sophie Thatcher, Erin Kellyman, Joe Alywn cast in 17th-century thriller 'Cavendish.'

Sophie Thatcher, Erin Kellyman, and Joe Alwyn have been cast as the leads in 'Cavendish,' a witch hunt thriller directed by Christopher Andrews, according to Variety. Andrews, known for his work on 'Bring Them Down,' aims to combine visceral action sequences with unexpected humor in this historical tale set in 17th-century Britain. The casting pulls from a diverse roster of talent, with Thatcher fresh off her work in 'Heretic,' Kellyman from '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' and Alwyn acclaimed for 'The Favourite.'

The film explores the volatile period of the British witch hunts, a setting ripe for examining fear and power dynamics through a modern lens. While little is disclosed about the plot specifics, Andrews' intention to infuse sharp humor into a tense narrative suggests a unique take that might evoke comparisons to Robert Eggers' period pieces, although with potentially less brooding gravitas.

Witch hunts have long served as potent allegory in horror, much like those in 'The Witch' and 'The Crucible,' illuminating societal fears of the 'other.' 'Cavendish' seems poised to contribute to this legacy, offering a narrative both period-specific and resonant with contemporary themes. As production progresses, expect 'Cavendish' to make its mark by blending historic authenticity with fresh tonal shifts.