Désirée Nosbusch Unveils Her First Feature Film: “Poison”
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Loading... - Alira Evans
- 24 Mar 2025
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Luxembourg celebrated the premiere of “Poison,” marking the directorial debut of actress Désirée Nosbusch. Based on the poignant play “Gif” by Lot Vekemans, the film features acclaimed actors Tim Roth and Trine Dyrholm in a gripping emotional narrative that unfolds during a couple's reunion after a decade apart.
Set in a cemetery, “Poison” tells the story of Edith (played by Dyrholm) and Lucas (played by Roth), who meet ten years after a shared tragedy. The film explores themes of grief and the complexities of human connection. Nosbusch describes the film as a reflection on how people cope with loss, stating, “The one who stands still is no better than the one who runs away. They’re just two different ways of dealing with loss.”
From the outset, “Poison” establishes a deliberate pace. Nosbusch acknowledges the slow rhythm, explaining, “Of course it’s slow, but it’s slow on purpose.” She emphasizes the importance of allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story, contrasting the hurried nature of modern life with the need to slow down and engage with the film.
Nosbusch’s connection to “Poison” dates back over a decade. After discovering the play, she was captivated by its emotional depth and structure. “Every word was exactly in its place. Nothing was missing, nothing was too much,” she recalls. Her desire to adapt the play for the screen stemmed from a deep-seated need to share its story, inspired by advice from Mel Brooks during her studies at UCLA.
Adapting a stage play for film presents unique challenges, and Nosbusch was committed to remaining faithful to the essence of the original work while opening it up for cinematic storytelling. Some lines, like Edith’s first words to Lucas, were preserved for their emotional impact.
The film’s primary location is a cemetery, which plays a crucial role in the narrative. Water is a recurring motif, symbolizing passage and renewal. Finding the right cemetery was a challenge, but Nosbusch’s set designer discovered the perfect location in Vianden, Luxembourg. The director felt an immediate connection to the site, recalling childhood visits to the area.
Filming in winter presented its own set of challenges, with unpredictable weather conditions. Nosbusch and her crew experienced everything from snow to sunshine in a single day. They even had to use blowtorches to melt snow on graves to maintain continuity in scenes. However, nature sometimes cooperated, providing beautiful lighting when the characters began to open up to each other.
The chemistry between Roth and Dyrholm is central to the film’s success. Nosbusch was clear about her vision for Edith, seeking a strong character who wouldn’t be portrayed as a victim. She aimed to convey the complexity of the relationship between Edith and Lucas, allowing the audience to empathize with both characters at different moments.
Their first meeting on set was pivotal. Nosbusch recalls, “They had never seen each other before filming. But as soon as they walked into the room, I looked at my cinematographer and we said, ‘We’ve got a film.’”
Having successfully transitioned from actress to director, Nosbusch is eager to continue her journey behind the camera. She is currently developing a new project set in Northern Ireland, exploring themes of forgiveness and the impact of the past on future generations.
“Switching to the other side of the camera seems like a no-brainer for me,” she reflects. “We are all storytellers. Sometimes we tell stories in front of the camera. Sometimes we tell them behind the camera.”
“Poison” is a powerful exploration of grief, connection, and the passage of time, brought to life by Désirée Nosbusch’s thoughtful direction and the compelling performances of Tim Roth and Trine Dyrholm. As she embarks on her directorial journey, Nosbusch proves that she has much more to offer the world of cinema.
