Marisa Abela transforms into late singer Amy Winehouse for the upcoming film Back to Black.
In the first teaser trailer for the biopic, Abela portrays Winehouse, who died on July 23, 2011 at age 27 from accidental alcohol poisoning. The breakout actress is seen donning the singer’s instantly recognisable 1960s-inspired beehive hairdo, heavy, winged eyeliner and swirling shoulder tattoos.
Clocking in at just over a minute, the clip offers brief glimpses into Winehouse’s success and struggles as she rises from an unknown singer to the musical icon the world knows her to be. It’s scored to Winehouse’s power ballad “Back to Black,” which inspired the name of the film.
The trailer also covers Winehouse’s more personal life, including her romance with Blake Fielder-Civil (played by Skins actor Jack O’Connell) and her close relationship with her mother Janis Winehouse (portrayed by The Crown’s Lesley Manville).
Several scenes from Winehouse’s life are recreated for the film, including her infamous 2008 Grammy’s performance. The trailer for the film noted that it will cover her life, her music and her legacy.
The cast also includes Eddie Marsan, Bronson Webb, Ansu Kabia and Harley Bird.
According to a press release, Back to Black was made with the full support of The Amy Winehouse Estate, plus Universal Music Group and Sony Music Publishing.