Ayo Edebiri‘s acclaimed new drama is officially headed to theaters. After earning great reviews at the Cannes Film Festival, Clarissa has locked in a release date. The film is distributed by Neon and is based on Virginia Woolf’s 1925 novel Mrs Dalloway.
Clarissa arrives in select theaters in December, gets photo
Variety has revealed that Clarissa will be released in select theaters on December 11, 2026. Unlike the novel, the film takes the story to modern-day Lagos, Nigeria. Similar to the source material, the film follows Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares to host a party at her home. The night unfolds as Clarissa reflects on her life, relationships, and the people gathered at the party. Edebiri plays a younger version of Clarissa’s friend Sally.
Clarissa is portrayed by Sophie Okonedo and India Amarteifio at different stages in her life. At the time of writing, the film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with 14 reviews. It is the Esiri brothers’ second feature film, following 2020’s Eyimofe, which also received positive reviews. The film premiered in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival.
This won’t be the first time Mrs. Dalloway has been adapted for the screen. The 1997 film, with the same title, starred Vanessa Redgrave and Natascha McElhone in the lead roles. Following that, the 2002 film The Hours adapted a novel that was based on Virginia Woolf’s original story. It featured Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Meryl Streep in key roles.
Clarissa is directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri, from a screenplay written by the latter. The film stars Edebiri, Okonedo, Amarteifio, David Oyelowo, Toheeb Jimoh, and more. It is produced by Theresa Park and Nicholas Weinstock.
Mrs Dalloway has appeared in various other novels and short stories by Woolf, including her debut novel The Voyage Out. The original story is set in London following the First World War.
Clarissa opens in select theaters on December 11, 2026.
