Russian actor Yura Borisov will play the lead male role in A24’s upcoming film “Dennis,” alongside Irish actress Alison Oliver. The film marks the directorial debut of actress Emily Mortimer.

The movie, based on Mortimer’s personal experiences, tells the story of her 1990s affair with Russian poet Denis Novikov.

Their relationship began in London, where Novikov was touring with the theater of poets “Almanac.” Mortimer, the daughter of playwright Sir John Mortimer, traveled with Novikov to Moscow and later hosted him in London, introducing him to figures like Joseph Brodsky.

The couple eventually separated. Mortimer went on to a successful acting career, while Novikov moved to Israel and tragically died of a heart attack in 2004 at the age of 37.

A24, known for acclaimed films like “Moonlight” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is producing “Dennis.”