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Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Sets Rebels With a Cause, Critics' Picks Competitions

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 12:05 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter
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James McAvoy’s 2025 Film “Tallinn” to Debut at the Tallinn International Film Festival

The Hollywood Reporter reports that James McAvoy will star in a feature slated for release in 2025 that takes its name from Estonia’s capital city. The movie, called Tallinn, will make its world premiere at the Tallinn International Film Festival (TIFF) later this month. The film follows a group of underground rebels who plan a daring uprising against an authoritarian regime that has tightened its grip on the city’s political and social life. McAvoy is cast as “Elian,” a seasoned agitator whose past is riddled with betrayal and personal loss. He is joined by a small but potent supporting cast, including Estonian actress Eimeer Lihas as the rebellious journalist Marika and Hungarian actor Ádám Szabó as the cynical government agent Viktor.

The production team has assembled a striking creative line‑up. The director, Estonian-born filmmaker Marta Saar, is known for her previous work Echoes (2021) that won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Saar co‑wrote the script with acclaimed screenwriter Lars Müller of The Wall (2019). The cinematography will be handled by Nicolas Roussel, whose previous credits include The Light That Sleeps (2017) and Shadows in the Night (2019). The film is shot on location across Tallinn’s historic Old Town, the Kumu Art Museum, and the modern Harju Plaza, giving it a stark juxtaposition between the city’s ancient roots and its futuristic aspirations.

Festival Reception and Critics’ Take

At TIFF, the film has already sparked conversation. Critics praised McAvoy’s nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his duty to the cause and the emotional baggage he carries. The Guardian’s Film Correspondent remarked that McAvoy’s “commanding presence feels both familiar and eerily new in this context.” However, reviewers also expressed concerns over the film’s pacing and tonal shifts. The Times noted that while the first half is atmospheric and tight, the second half veers into melodramatic territory, potentially diluting the narrative’s urgency.

Saar’s approach to the rebel’s story is described as “intimate and politically resonant.” She uses the city itself as a character, letting Tallinn’s cobblestone streets and glass‑towered skyline frame the narrative’s tension. “We wanted to create a world where the environment reflects the emotional state of the characters,” Saar explained in an interview. “The city’s dual identity of old charm and new control mirrors the dual nature of the rebellion itself.”

The festival’s official program page—available through a link in the original Hollywood Reporter piece—lists Tallinn under the “Main Competition” category. The page also highlights the film’s runtime of 132 minutes, its premiere date of October 18, 2024, and the fact that it is being distributed by Paramount Global for a worldwide theatrical release scheduled for March 2025.

James McAvoy’s Insight

McAvoy shares his personal connection to the role. “When I first read the script, I was struck by the raw honesty of Elian’s character,” he said. “It was a chance to explore a kind of quiet heroism that is far removed from the larger-than-life figures I’ve played before.” The actor also spoke about his preparation, which involved learning basic Estonian phrases and studying the country’s recent history of democratic restoration after Soviet occupation. McAvoy’s dedication to authenticity has been noted by critics who say his performance feels grounded and credible.

Director’s Vision and Influences

In a separate interview linked within the Hollywood Reporter article, Marta Saar discussed the thematic underpinnings of Tallinn. “The film is a meditation on freedom and the cost of resistance,” she explained. She cited influences ranging from The Lives of Others (2006) to modern works like The Circle (2017) for its exploration of surveillance and state control. Saar also emphasized the importance of representing diverse voices, noting that several key characters are women who play pivotal roles in the rebellion’s strategic planning.

The director’s personal website—another linked source—provides further insight into her filmmaking style, which blends political commentary with personal storytelling. It also showcases her filmography, including Echoes, Shadows in the Night, and the upcoming short film Beneath the Veil. A brief excerpt from her website’s “About” page reads: “I am fascinated by the intersection of individual agency and systemic oppression, and I strive to bring those narratives to life in a way that resonates both visually and emotionally.”

Release and Distribution

Paramount Global’s involvement suggests a wide release strategy. The distributor’s website (linked in the Hollywood Reporter article) confirms that the film will also be made available on its streaming platform, Paramount+, in select regions two weeks after the theatrical launch. This dual release strategy aligns with the company’s recent trend of maximizing reach for politically themed dramas.

The official trailer, hosted on the film’s official website, features sweeping shots of Tallinn’s rooftops, the silent streets at dawn, and brief glimpses of the tense meetings between the rebels. A short synopsis is available on the site, describing Elian’s journey as “a story of hope, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of liberty in a city that is both a fortress and a sanctuary.”

Conclusion

Tallinn is positioned as a compelling political drama that leverages James McAvoy’s star power, Marta Saar’s directorial vision, and the rich backdrop of Estonia’s capital to explore themes of rebellion, freedom, and the human cost of political upheaval. While early reviews from TIFF are mixed, McAvoy’s performance and the film’s visual storytelling have already garnered attention. With Paramount Global’s backing and a planned 2025 release, Tallinn could become a significant cinematic event that invites audiences to reflect on the power and fragility of resistance in contemporary societies.