June 3 (UPI) -- Mary-Louise Parker has joined the cast of HBO Films' The Days of Abandonment starring Natalie Portman in the lead role.
The Days of Abandonment is based on author Elena Ferrante's novel of the same name. Portman portrays Tess, who pushed aside her own dreams for a stable life at home with her husband.
Tess' world is then flipped upside down after she is abandoned by her husband. The film will explore the mind of a woman in crisis, the norms of motherhood and female identity.
Parker, best known for her lead role on Showtime's Weeds, will portray a character known as the Mysterious Woman. Tess will begin encountering the Mysterious Woman everywhere she goes, causing her to question her sanity.
Maggie Betts (Novitiate) is writing, directing and executive producing. Portman is also executive producing along with Sophie Mas through their studio MountainA.
The Days of Abandonment is currently in pre-production.
Parker will next be seen in Broadway play How I Learned To Drive and in Netflix limited series Colin in Black and White. Portman will next star in Marvel's Thor: Love and Thunder.
