The Man in My Basement

'The Man in My Basement' is a British-American thriller co-written and directed by Nadia Latif in her directorial debut. It is based on the eponymous novel published by Walter Mosley in 2004. Mosley collaborates with the director on the screenplay adaptation. The result is a production by Protagonist Pictures that premieres in September 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival and in select theaters in the United States. Hulu is expected to distribute it internationally for direct streaming.

Charles Blakey is an African American man descended from a well-off black family that was never enslaved. Thus, his family was able to build a huge house that has already passed through seven generations. Now, at 33 years old, he is the sole heir of the property, living in it alone, unmotivated, and searching for what to do with his time. After being fired from his job, problems start to pile up, and he can barely afford to pay the house taxes.

Suddenly, Anniston Bennet, a mysterious white man, offers to rent the basement of his house for $65,000 for 65 days. Blakey is initially wary but, due to his situation, ultimately accepts the offer. Bennet claims he wants the basement to isolate himself as if it were his own self-imposed prison. A situation that will lead both men to reflect on life and their past.

'The Man in My Basement' began preparations in 2022 with Jonathan Majors as the lead actor and producer. In 2023, after Majors was arrested for violence, he was removed from the film, delaying its shooting. Finally, in 2024, Corey Hawkins is cast as the new lead. The film also features Willem Dafoe, Anna Diop, and Tamara Lawrance. It receives mixed reviews after its premiere.