The historical drama Confession, set during the height of Joseph Stalin’s rule in the Soviet Union, has officially released its first official trailer ahead of its world premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival on October 15, 2026. Written by The Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro and directed by acclaimed Czech filmmaker Václav Marhoul, the film introduces a tense, claustrophobic prison story led by a prominent ensemble cast.
Plot and Premise of Confession
Set in Moscow in 1938, the narrative follows Alexei, a disillusioned former literature professor portrayed by Rob Lowe. Alexei is arrested and hauled into the notorious Lubyanka Prison on sus**cion of conspiring with a dissident priest who opposed the Soviet government.
Inside the prison, Alexei faces interrogation from Vladimir, a brilliant and vicious former student turned interrogator, played by James Franco. According to the film’s official synopsis, the high-stakes interrogation forces Alexei to confront the moral consequences of political repression, choosing between betrayal and personal conscience. His confrontation with his past ultimately steers him toward redemption through truth and personal sacrifice.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast and Production Team
Aside from Rob Lowe and James Franco, Confession features the starriest cast assembled for a Daily Wire project to date. The supporting lineup includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Nick Nolte, Emile Hirsch, Dean Norris, Richard Brake, and Brad Dourif.
Director Václav Marhoul, best known for his 2019 black-and-white war drama The Painted Bird, shifted gears from epic wide-scale storytelling to a talky, single-location chamber piece. Working alongside cinematographer Peter Menzies Jr., Marhoul adopted a restrained visual approach to match the material. The film was shot entirely on 35mm at Santa Clarita Studios north of Los Angeles, utilizing production design by Vincent Reynaud and makeup and prosthetics by Oscar winner Jeff Dawn.
Release Schedule and Distribution
Following its world premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival, Confession is scheduled for a special one-night theatrical release in 100 U.S. theaters on November 11, 2026. The feature will also become available to stream globally on The Daily Wire’s platform, DailyWire+, on the exact same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the release date for Confession?
Confession has its world premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival on October 15, 2026, followed by a theatrical release and streaming debut on DailyWire+ on November 11, 2026.
Who wrote and directed Confession?
The film was written by Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro and directed by Czech filmmaker Václav Marhoul.
Which actors star in the leading roles?
Rob Lowe stars as the disillusioned literature professor Alexei, and James Franco stars as his former student and interrogator, Vladimir.
What is the setting of the movie?
The film is set in Moscow in 1938 during Stalin’s rule, centering heavily on events inside the notorious Lubyanka Prison.
Who else is in the supporting cast?
The ensemble cast includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Nick Nolte, Emile Hirsch, Dean Norris, Richard Brake, and Brad Dourif.
