featuring @madmanfilms @causeway_films
Madman Entertainment and Causeway Films are excited to unveil the teaser trailer for The Fox, the highly anticipated debut feature from writer and director Dario Russo. Blending dark comedy, satire, and surreal fantasy, the film promises to be a bold new addition to Australia’s cinematic landscape.
A Surreal, Satirical Folk Tale
The Fox stars a stellar ensemble including Jai Courtney, Emily Browning, Damon Herriman, Claudia Doumit, Zlatko Burić, Frankie J. Holden, Heather Mitchell, Peter O’Brien, and Kim Gyngell. The film also features Sam Neill as The Magpie, Miranda Otto, and Olivia Colman, who makes a memorable appearance as The Fox.
At its core, The Fox follows Nick (Jai Courtney), a kind-hearted but hapless man who encounters a talking fox offering him a tantalizing deal. The fox promises to help Nick save his strained relationship with his fiancée, Kori (Emily Browning), in exchange for allowing her to live. The fox’s bizarre solution? Push Kori into a magical hole that will transform her into the “perfect woman.” But as the story unfolds, what begins as a humorous quest for love takes a dark turn, revealing the dangers of obsession, desire, and the human tendency to want to change others rather than face one’s own flaws.
A Film with International Flair and Local Roots
The film recently celebrated its international premiere at SXSW Austin, where it was named one of Variety’s 8 Best Films. It also premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival and is slated to screen at the Sydney Film Festival in June. Filmed and produced entirely in South Australia, The Fox is a proud product of local talent, supported by the South Australian Film Corporation.
Dario Russo, known for his distinctive voice in Australian comedy and genre filmmaking, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m very excited to share the first look of The Fox. It was an incredible experience working with such a talented cast and crew, and I hope audiences enjoy the ride — and maybe learn to be more careful when trusting foxes!”
Creative Vision and Australian Spirit
Russo, who took on multiple roles in the film’s creation—including writer, director, editor, and composer—aimed to craft a story rooted in emotional realism while maintaining the absurd humor and surreal fantasy that defines his work. His uniquely Australian perspective infuses The Fox with biting emotional truths and a wild, foxy sensibility.
Screen Australia’s Director of Narrative Content, Louise Gough, praised the film’s inventive nature: “Dario Russo is a singular filmmaker, and The Fox seduces you into a darkly comic maze. Brought to life by an exceptional creative team, it’s distinctly Australian — foxy, wild, and full of heart.”
A New Chapter for Causeway Films
Produced by Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings, and Carly Maple, The Fox marks Causeway Films’ first venture into comedy. Known for acclaimed titles like Talk to Me, The Babadook, and the Sundance hit Levitticus, Causeway continues its tradition of pushing boundaries in Australian cinema. The production received major investment from Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation, with additional support from Salmira, Kojo Studios, Flickstar, and the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund.
Local distribution rights are handled by Madman Entertainment, while international sales are managed by Protagonist Pictures.
A Cautionary Fairy Tale
The Fox tells the story of Nick, a wealthy landowner’s heir, who discovers his fiancée Kori is unfaithful. Desperate to fix his relationship, he captures a mysterious talking fox—Olivia Colman in her role—who offers him a deal: help her survive, and she will assist him in transforming Kori into the ideal partner. Nick’s decision to follow the fox’s advice unleashes unforeseen consequences, questioning whether superficial perfection is worth the cost.
Anticipation Builds
With its compelling blend of humor, surrealism, and emotional depth, The Fox is poised to make a significant impact on audiences both in Australia and abroad. Fans can look forward to experiencing a film that is as wild and foxy as its title suggests, promising a provocative ride into the dark corners of desire and human folly.
Stay tuned for more updates as The Fox prepares for its upcoming screenings and wider release.
