BILLIE EILISH IS SHOOTING HER FILM DEBUT IN TORONTO

Snaps of singer Billie Eilish filming the upcoming movie adaption of Sylvia Plath’s iconic novel The Bell Jar in Toronto this week have pinged the brains of diehard Plath fans like me. In one shot posted by The Daily Mail, the 24-year-old performer—who is best known for her preferences for oversized, slouchy casual wear—was pictured in full 1950s-inspired glam: a knee-length indigo dress with cinched waist and pert bolero. Red lips, pearl earrings and a tasteful fascinator capped off the vintage look.

The Bell Jar marks the Oscar-winning singer’s first movie star turn. In it, Eilish portrays Esther Greenwood, the narrator of Plath’s classic 1963 novel about an accomplished young woman’s struggle with depression and eventual mental collapse in the oppressively patriarchal cultural climate of the 1950s.

Plath, who initially published the work under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas, would not survive long enough to see her name attributed to the novel. It was only three years after her death from suicide that the book was published under her own name.

In other shots of Eilish in character on set this week, she looks suitably unhappy in a snug scarlet sweater and matching red lip; in another, she’s giving a credible Esther-esque scowl in what looks like a rain-soaked blue dress.

Eilish’s debut in the enduring story is in capable hands. Academy Award-winner and Toronto-born director Sarah Polley scripted the adaptation and is directing the feature, which is set to film in Toronto through to September. (Actor Kirsten Dunst once tried to get an her own adaptation off the ground with Dakota Fanning as the star but never managed to get the rights, according to Entertainment Weekly.)

Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie is also part of the film’s cast (it’s not clear what role he’s playing though my money is on Buddy, Esther’s boyfriend) and Oscar-winner Carey Mulligan has been cast as Esther’s mother.

There will likely be more onset pictures to come over the coming weeks. In the meantime, I’ll be in full re-read mode of the enduring story.

2026-08-06T17:31:58Z