Angelina Jolie is pulling back the curtain on her latest directorial project — and the first look is every bit as haunting as fans might expect.

The Oscar winner has unveiled a new glimpse at “Without Blood,” her upcoming war drama starring Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir.

The film, which is based on Alessandro Baricco’s novel of the same name, explores the devastating aftermath of violence and the complicated road toward healing.

For Jolie, 51, the movie is about much more than revenge.

“It’s really about healing after trauma,” Jolie told PEOPLE.

The story follows Nina, played by Hayek, whose family is brutally attacked during an unnamed conflict. Years later, she comes face-to-face with Tito, played by Bichir, one of the men connected to the tragedy.

What follows is a tense encounter centered on memory, trauma, forgiveness and the possibility of moving forward.

Jolie said she was drawn to Baricco’s novel because of the way it examines universal questions surrounding conflict and what it means to be human.

“I felt attracted to the novel because it is beautifully written,” she said, describing the story as an exploration of “conflict, memory and what it means to be human.”

The filmmaker also praised Hayek’s performance, calling it one of the actress’ most transformative roles.

The two previously worked together on Marvel’s “Eternals,” but “Without Blood” gave them a dramatically different opportunity to collaborate.

Hayek has said that she initially hesitated to take on the emotionally demanding role because of how intense the material was.

But after conversations with Jolie, she ultimately signed on.

The cast also includes Juan Minujín, with Jolie’s sons Maddox and Pax contributing behind the scenes.

For Jolie, having her family involved added another personal dimension to the production.

The film marks her return to directing after a lengthy break. “Without Blood” is her sixth feature as a director and follows her 2017 historical drama “First They Killed My Father.”

Despite the grim subject matter, Jolie said she does not want audiences to leave the theater feeling hopeless.

Instead, she hopes the movie encourages people to confront painful experiences through honest conversations and empathy.

“The hope is that people will leave with a greater sense of empathy and understanding,” she said.

The film is scheduled to hit US theaters on Sept. 18.

And with Hayek delivering an intense performance and Jolie once again stepping behind the camera, “Without Blood” could become one of the most emotionally charged films of the fall.

This time, Jolie isn’t simply telling a story about revenge.

She’s asking what comes after it.

Source: People