by Alex Billington
April 17, 2026
Source: YouTube
“If I am going to paint you, I need absolute commitment.” Vertigo Releasing has debuted the official trailer for a film titled Moss & Freud, retelling the real story of what happened when Kate Moss had her portrait taken by this famous artist. This premiered at the 2025 London Film Festival last year and also played at the Rome Film Fest. It’s officially opening in UK cinemas in May this summer season, not sure when it’ll arrive in the US just yet. Supermodel Kate Moss embarks on a journey of self-discovery when the acclaimed artist Lucian Freud offers to paint her portrait. The story takes place London in 2002. Starring Ellie Bamber as Kate Moss, Derek Jacobi as Lucian, Jasmine Blackborow as Bella Freud, plus Tim Downie and Will Tudor. The festival says Bamber & Jacobi “bring these iconic figures wonderfully to life, enabling audiences to witness the personal interaction that took place behind closed doors. Lucas’ impressive debut is a tender portrait of self-reflection and an unexpectedly transformative friendship.” This is an interesting story to tell.
Here’s the first official trailer for James Lucas’ film Moss & Freud, direct from Vertigo’s YouTube:
Supermodel Kate Moss (Ellie Bamber) embarks on a journey of self-discovery when artist Lucian Freud (Derek Jacobi) offers to paint her portrait. In London in 2002, supermodel Kate Moss agrees to pose for a painting by aging artist Lucian Freud. After sittings over the course of many months, the final painting was auctioned in 2005 for £3,928,000. Moss & Freud is written and directed by up-and-coming English filmmaker James Lucas, making his feature directorial debut with this project after a few other short films previously. He also worked at Ridley Scott’s RSA Films. Produced by Matthew Metcalfe. This first premiered at the 2025 London Film Festival last year. Vertigo Releasing will debut Lucas’ Moss & Freud movie in UK cinemas starting May 29th, 2026 coming up this summer. No US release is set yet. Does it look any good?
