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Billie Eilish Stars in Long-Awaited Bell Jar Adaptation

3/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Billie Eilish, the singer and two-time Oscar winner for original songs, will debut in a film adaptation of The Bell Jar.
Sarah Polley will direct, and Billie Eilish will portray Esther Greenwood in 1950s New York.
This role follows her acting in the 2023 series Swarm and shows her growing interest.
The adaptation has a complex history, with earlier attempts failing to materialize.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 film adaptation of Sylvia Plath's *The Bell Jar*, directed by Larry Peerce and starring Marilyn Hassett, faced production hurdles before its release. The film reflects the growing awareness of mental health issues in the late 20th century, paralleling Plath's own struggles. Billie Eilish's upcoming portrayal of Esther Greenwood signals a renewed interest in Plath's exploration of female identity and mental health in 1950s America.

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Story summary

Billie Eilish, the singer and two-time Oscar winner for original songs, will debut in a film adaptation of The Bell Jar.
Sarah Polley will direct, and Billie Eilish will portray Esther Greenwood in 1950s New York.
This role follows her acting in the 2023 series Swarm and shows her growing interest.
The adaptation has a complex history, with earlier attempts failing to materialize.

1 / 2