Unsolved Sophie Toscan du Plantier case re-visited as new film released
Re-Creation trailerThe unsolved murder of French producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier in 1996 has once again been thrust into the limelight following the release of a new film, reports Cork Beo.Re-Creation, which follows a fictional trial where a jury must decide if British journalist Ian Bailey (portrayed by Colm Meaney) is guilty of killing Toscan du Plantier.Directed by the legendary Jim Sheridan and David Merriman, the film mirrors the format of Twelve Angry Men, tracing the jury's deliberations over the murder.This factual piece is grounded in real events and serves as a re-enactment of the case, ultimately leaving it up to the audience to draw their own conclusions.Alongside Meaney, Re-Creation also features Vicky Krieps from Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Aidan Gillen from Game of Thrones and The Wire, John Connors from Love/Hate, with filmmaker Sheridan also appearing as one of the jury members.Other cast members include Brendan Conroy, Brian Doherty, Tristan Heanue, Gilbert K. Johnston, Maja Juric, Zahara Moufid, Helen Norton, and Elena Spautz.Thanks to Re-Creation, the case has sparked renewed interest, here's the rundown on the case.Colm Meaney stars as Ian Bailey in Re-Creation(Image: OMNIPLEX SERVICES)READ MORE: Ian Bailey dies after suspected heart attack in Cork townREAD MORE: Ian Bailey’s ashes to be scattered in west Cork at special memorial serviceInside the Sophie Toscan du Plantier West CorkToscan du Plantier, aged 39, was discovered dead by her neighbours outside her holiday home in Schull, County Cork, on 23 December 1996.The French producer from Paris was found severely beaten. No one has ever been charged for the murder.She frequently visited her holiday home with her son and was familiar to the locals.On this particular occasion, she had journeyed alone and had plans to return to Paris for Christmas, leaving many questions unanswered about why she was travelling solo this time.The crime sent shockwaves through the community and is locally referred to as "the murder". Tragically, there's no known motive for the savage killing.There were no signs of an intruder at Toscan du Plantier's house.Aidan Gillen stars in the film Re-Creation(Image: OMNIPLEX SERVICES)Both a blood-stained rock and a block of concrete were discovered near the body.Manchester journalist Bailey, who resided two miles from the murder scene, was arrested twice by gardaí but never charged. He consistently denied any involvement.However, in 2019, a court in Paris convicted Bailey in absentia for Toscan du Plantier's murder and sentenced him to 25 years behind bars.Authorities thwarted attempts to extradite Bailey to France twice, so he wasn't present when the verdict was delivered and thus couldn't appeal it.The trial in Paris didn't include a jury, with three judges deliberating to reach a verdict.Bailey passed away at the age of 66 in January 2024 after collapsing at his home in West Cork, as reported by BBC News.The former journalist suffered from a severe heart condition and was on the list for surgery.Alongside Re-Creation, the podcast West Cork, hosted by Jennifer Forde and Sam Bungey, also delves into the cold case.Re-Creation is streaming on Mubi and screening in select cinemasWest Cork podcast is streaming now
