Lucy Hale Leads 'A Young Widow’s Guide to Life'

Lucy Hale stars in 'A Young Widow’s Guide to Life', directed by Mackenzie Munro. Filming begins in Italy this September, with international sales launching at Cannes.

By Daniela ColeJun 6, 2026
Lucy Hale Leads 'A Young Widow’s Guide to Life'

Lucy Hale Leads 'A Young Widow’s Guide to Life'

Lucy Hale, known for her role in Pretty Little Liars, will star in the new romance film A Young Widow’s Guide to Life, directed by Mackenzie Munro, with international sales kicking off in Cannes.

Production Details

The film is produced by Pascal Borno, Alain Gillissen, Silvio Muraglia, and Jack Greenbaum. Principal photography is scheduled to start in September in Italy. The screenplay, penned by Katrina Day Schaefer, centers on Tess Fuller (played by Hale), a 30-year-old widow grappling with the loss of her husband five years prior.

Plot and Themes

According to the plot synopsis, on the anniversary of her husband's passing, a letter from a childhood friend of his urges the town to help Tess create a list of life experiences to help her move forward. Tess reluctantly embarks on this journey, gradually reconnecting with life and love. Her journey includes forming a bond with Marcus, a charming single father and professor, and ultimately embarking on a solo road trip that brings closure and a new beginning.

Lucy Hale's Continued Success

This project marks another major role for Hale, whose film F*** Marry Kill was a hit on Hulu in 2025. Hale is also known for her work in Truth or Dare and The Hating Game.

Director Mackenzie Munro

Mackenzie Munro, a rising director who began her career in film production as a teenager, has directed projects for Facebook Watch, Crypt TV, and The Shade Room. Her feature debut was Salvation. Munro recently completed work on Chasing Red, featuring Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno.

Angel Oak Films, led by producers Pascal Borno and Alain Gillissen, is showcasing A Young Widow’s Guide to Life at Cannes to attract international distribution. The film has already secured a deal with Splendid Films for German-speaking territories. Borno expressed excitement about the project, highlighting the collaboration between Hale and Munro as a winning combination.

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lucy-hale-a-young-widows-guide-to-life-film-cannes-munro-1236595654/