First image of Tom Hiddleston as Dr. Laing in Ben Wheatley's High Rise

First image of Tom Hiddleston as Dr. Laing in Ben Wheatley’s High Rise

February 6th 2015, 10:06am

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

I know I'm not alone in thinking that KILL LIST and SIGHTSEERS director Ben Wheatley is one of the most exciting talents working behind the camera today, so it's with much excitement that I'm looking foward to his adaptation of JG Ballard's 1975 novel HIGH RISE. The film has an incredible cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, Elisabeth Moss, and James Purefoy, and today we've got our first look at Hiddleston's Dr. Robert Laing from the film!

Empire shared the image below and Hiddleston is looking quite dapper, I'd say. I'm very much looking forward to seeing more from this one, which is easily one of my most anticipated films of the year.

Here's a rundown of the film:

HIGH RISE centers on a new residential tower built on the eve of Thatcher’s England, at the site of what will soon become the world’s financial hub. Designed as a luxurious solution to the problems of the city, it is a world apart. Enter Robert Laing (Hiddleston), a young doctor seduced by the high-rise and its creator, the visionary architect Anthony Royal (Irons). Laing discovers a world of complex loyalties, and also strikes up a relationship with Royal’s devoted aide Charlotte (Miller).

But rot has set in beneath the flawless surface. Sensing discord amongst the tenants, Laing meets Wilder, a charismatic provocateur bent on inciting the situation. Wilder initiates Laing into the hidden life of the high-rise and Laing is shocked at what he sees. As the residents break into tribal factions, Laing finds himself in the middle of mounting violence. Violence that he also finds emerging in himself.

Here's hoping we'll see a trailer for HIGH RISE soon enough. Till then, peep Hiddleston as Dr. Laing and stay tuned for more on Ben Wheatley's HIGH RISE.