Watch: Rousing Trailer for Ralph Fiennes Directorial Debut “Coriolanus”

Ralph Fiennes likes himself some drama. After laying Lord Voldemort to rest in this summer’s “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two,” the acclaimed British performer next finds himself playing the titular General in a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus,” which hits theaters during awards season on December 2nd courtesy of The Weinstein Company. While the film no doubt will be a showcase for the actor, the real reason you’ll want to seek this one out: it marks his directorial debut.

The film, which debuted at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, boasts an A-list cast that includes the likes of Vanessa Redgrave, Gerard Butler, Jessica Chastain and Brian Cox. They all make appearances in the rousing U.K. trailer for the drama that just hit the web, with Redgrave taking stealing the spotlight as the hero’s mother, Volumnia. If the clip is any indication, Fiennes has a knack for eliciting killer performances.

Here’s the synopsis courtesy of Icon Entertainment:

Caius Martius ‘Coriolanus’ (Fiennes), a revered and feared Roman General is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother Volumnia (Redgrave) to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office. When the public refuse to support him, Coriolanus’s anger prompts a riot which culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius (Butler) to take his revenge on the city.

This behind-the-camera foray is looking to become a regular thing for Fiennes. This August, it was confirmed he’ll helm the film adaptation of “The Invisible Woman.” Shooting begins next spring.