DreamWorks is reportedly in the process of acquiring The Light Between Oceans, a mystery novel by M.L. Stedman. The novel follows the story of an Australian couple who finds a man and an infant washed ashore near their home. With only the infant alive, the couple raises her as their own, but later face dire consequences. David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford are set to produce.
Heyman, who produced the Harry Potter series, has this to say about the story:
“I was deeply affected by M. L. Stedman’s powerful and primal story of human choices and their consequences. It’s a novel which tackles grand emotions, but everything is rooted within an intimate yet universal story of marital and parental love. I am excited to be working with such sympathetic partners in Stacey and the team at DreamWorks.”
The novel, M.L. Stedman’s first work, came out last July and was well received by critics and readers alike. So it’s no surprise that the rights were snapped up pretty quickly.
Considering DreamWorks‘ penchant for creating visually and emotionally compelling films, The Light Between Oceans appears to be a sensible choice. Whether or not the studio will put out a version that’s loyal to the book or make its own spin, hopefully it’s something audiences can appreciate — whether or not they’ve read the book.
Source: Deadline