Brace yourselves for one of the most buzz-worthy upcoming films of the season: Anxious People is officially underway, bringing together a powerhouse trio—Angelina Jolie, Aimee Lou Wood, and Jason Segel—at the newly minted Pinewood Indie Film Hub. Helmed by director Marc Forster (best known for A Man Called Otto, World War Z, and Quantum of Solace), this fresh adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s acclaimed novel boasts a screenplay by Oscar-nominated writer David Magee.
Anxious People: A Darkly Funny Premise
Set on the eve of Christmas, the story follows Zara—an investment banker played by Angelina Jolie—who reluctantly attends an open house, only to find herself swept up in chaos when Grace (Aimee Lou Wood), a reluctant bank robber, accidentally takes a group of strangers hostage. What ensues is at once hilarious, heartwarming, and unsettling, as secrets unravel and human connections bloom in unexpected ways.
Spotlight on the Cast
Aimee Lou Wood, who recently earned acclaim for her turn in The White Lotus, channels both comedic flair and emotional depth as Grace, the flustered would-be criminal whose impulsive act triggers the film’s whirlwind of revelations. Jolie anchors the cast with her star power as Zara, whose reluctant hospitality unfolds into a surprising journey of empathy and connection. Jason Segel—ever versatile, from How I Met Your Mother to Shrinking—joins the ensemble cast, adding another layer of warmth and humor to the narrative.
Pinewood’s Indie Film Hub Debut
As filming began in London on September 2, 2025, Anxious People made history as the first feature to shoot at Pinewood’s brand-new Indie Film Hub—an exciting development for the famed studio, now providing a sandbox for independent, auteur-driven stories to come to life. Launching Anxious People as its first feature is a deliberate signal of the Hub’s ambitions: to attract high-profile, story-driven films that might otherwise shoot abroad or at smaller regional studios. The mix of Hollywood star power (Angelina Jolie, Jason Segel) and breakout talent (Aimee Lou Wood) underscores Pinewood’s pitch that prestige indies can now be made under one roof with the same polish as big franchises — but on their own terms.
Why This Film Is Already Trending
This star-studded adaptation of Anxious People is not just another holiday-themed film—it fuses sharp wit, emotional resonance, and a dash of chaos into a heartfelt ensemble piece. With Forster’s steadiness behind the camera, Magee’s deft screenplay, and a cast that spans Oscar winners to rising stars, this flick is already creating serious industry chatter.
