pretty little liars Alum Lucy Hale is ready to lead a new romance, A Young Widow’s Guide to LifeWith the launch of international sales in Cannes.
The film is directed by up-and-coming director Mackenzie Munroe and produced by Pascal Burno, Alain Gillissen, Silvio Moraglia and Jack Greenbaum. Principal photography will begin in September in Italy.
By Katrina Day Schaefer, A Young Widow’s Guide to Life The film follows Tess Fuller (Hale), a 30-year-old widow who is still emotionally stuck five years after her husband’s death. The story synopsis reads: “On the anniversary of his death, Luke’s childhood friend posts a letter he left behind asking the town to help Tess create a list of things as she tries to start over and move on in her life.”
“Reluctantly, Tess begins to check items off her list and slowly reconnects with life, love, and herself. As she develops a connection with a charming single father and professor named Marcus, Tess must decide if she is ready to open her heart again — or if she still needs time to find herself first. After an emotional turning point, she embarks on a solo road trip that ultimately helps her let go of the past and embrace a new chapter.”
The project marks another commercial film role for Hill, who directed his last film F*** marriage to murder Topped Hulu in 2025. The star is best known for his TV success pretty little liarsbesides Truth or dare and Hate game.
Meanwhile, Monroe began her film production career as a teenager, then went on to direct projects for Facebook Watch, Crypt TV, and The Shade Room before making her film debut with The Shade Room. Salvation. She recently wrapped production on Stampede and Wattpad’s Chase redChampionship RiverdaleMadelaine Petsch and The summer she turned beautifulGavin Casalegno.
Producers Pascal Burno and Alain Gillisne of Angel Oak Films A Young Widow’s Guide to Life to Cannes with the aim of securing international distribution partners before production. A deal with Andreas Klein’s German powerhouse Splendid Films has been closed here on the Croisette for German-speaking regions.
“We are very excited to bring this unique project to Cannes and introduce it to our key buyers,” said Borno. “We are especially proud to partner with an established and dynamic star, Lucy Hale, and pair her with another rising star, director Mackenzie Monroe. This amazingly unique script combined with these two amazing women is a winning combination.”
