UK thesps and "Play" stars Alan Rickman and Kristin Scott Thomas are re-teaming for "The Villa Golitsyn", a film adaptation of Piers Paul Read's psychological drama novel set in the South of France reports Production Weekly.

In the story, diplomat Simon Milson arrives in Nice to stay with friends Willy and Priscilla Ludley (Rickman & Thomas) but soon discovers their French idyll about to fall apart. Willy is drinking himself to death, and Priss appears powerless to stop him. Despite being lulled by wine, sun and his old friend Willy's charm and affection, Simon has been charged by his superiors with an important mission. He has to establish if it was Willy's treachery that led to the brutal torture and murder of a fellow foreign office colleague in Borneo.

Further distractions are provided by fellow guest Charlie and his new American fiancée and the charming and naive runaway school girl Helen, who has mysteriously attached herself to them all. Simon is also surprised to find himself falling in love with Priss and even supporting her in her belief that Helen will provide Willy's salvation. But it soon becomes frighteningly clear that there is indeed something about his past that is tormenting Willy, and as events lead to a startling and incredible revelation, there is nothing that any of them can do to avert the awaiting tragedy.

Shooting takes place from June 5th to July 28th under the helm of Peter Medaks ("The Krays", "Romeo Is Bleeding", "The Changeling").