Will Do Films, LLC, an emerging force in independent cinema, is excited to announce its latest production, Jury of Her Peers, set to release in 2025. Helmed by director William Rock and producer Amy Nigg, this evocative drama is inspired by an unsolved axe murder in early 20th-century Iowa, taking audiences on a journey into a chilling true crime story that has lingered in the annals of Midwest history.

Based on actual events, Jury of Her Peers promises a captivating dive into the complexity of friendship, betrayal, and buried secrets. The screenplay, crafted by Rock himself, is a dramatic adaptation inspired by the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Susan Glaspell. Glaspell’s literary legacy serves as a foundation for the film’s portrayal of the human psyche, casting light on themes of moral ambiguity and unspoken loyalties. Against the bleak landscapes of early 1900s Iowa, the film follows the intertwined fates of two women: Dora Hale, portrayed by Stephanie Schneider, and Margaret Wright, played by Brianne Magel. Caught in the shadow of a brutal murder, these two women must navigate their loyalties and confront a stark question—how far will they go to protect one another, and what secrets might come to light in the process?

As Margaret finds herself accused of murdering her husband, Dora steps in, determined to clear her friend’s name. But as she faces off against Eliza Peters (Cheyenne Godde), Margaret’s sister and the sheriff’s wife, Dora becomes ensnared in an increasingly personal battle, forced to reckon with her own hidden truths. The film, driven by Schneider and Magel’s intense performances, highlights the complexities of female friendships under immense strain, questioning whether justice truly serves the innocent or merely reveals the tangled web of human frailty.

John Hansen captures the austere beauty of the Midwest as it might have appeared over a century ago, using sweeping rural visuals to underscore the film’s introspective, almost haunting tone. Hansen’s work complements the narrative’s historical grounding and amplifies its suspenseful, emotional beats. As filming concludes in December 2024, the post-production team is gearing up to enhance this atmosphere, weaving modern storytelling elements with period details to create a cinematic experience that is as much psychological as it is visually striking.

Jury of Her Peers isn’t just a period drama; it’s a mirror that reflects our own struggles with truth, justice, and the ways we protect those we love—even when it means facing our darkest selves.

Will Do Films, LLC, known for its Midwestern ties and commitment to unique storytelling, is poised to bring Jury of Her Peers to a global audience through festival screenings in 2025. With universal themes of friendship, fear, and resilience, the film invites audiences to explore not only the cost of justice but the price of secrets, set within a tale as chilling as it is timeless.

See the teaser trailer: https://youtu.be/wPEBLU79M1k?si=nDUabGHKzrv39-Q2

For more information, visit: https://juryofherpeers.com/