Universal Pictures has released the second trailer for Welcome to Marwen starring Steve Carell as Mark, a photographer who is traumatized after being brutally beaten. The attack left Mark on the road to a very long recovery. But with the help of his loved ones and his creativity, Mark is able to find inner peace.

Now the story, which is based on a true story, is getting the big screen adaptation treatment with Robert Zemeckis at the helm to tell this story. Check out the full trailer below.

One thing that the trailer improves upon from the first trailer is the use of music. Instead of having the Foo Fighters’ “Walk,” we are treated to The Strumbellas’ “Spirits.” Personally, I think the song is better suited for an uplifting film with a dark tone. And we also get a better look at the dolls that will play a huge part in the story.

See, Mark uses the dolls as a storytelling device to the miniature world that he has built. It’s a little bit like therapy for him. So it’s no surprise that Zemeckis will use new technology to bring these dolls to life.

The fact that Welcome to Marwen is opening in theaters during December tells us that Universal is using the film as Oscar bait. Which seems appropriate. Zemeckis does have a few wins and nominations under his belt. And these kinds of inspirational stories tend to get a lot of attention. Let’s just hope that the film is able to balance out the traumatic drama with the light-hearted comedy. Zemeckis also wrote the script.

Here’s the official plot synopsis:

When a devastating attack shatters Mark Hogancamp (Carell) and wipes away all memories, no one expected recovery. Putting together pieces from his old and new life, Mark meticulously creates a wondrous town where he can heal and be heroic. As he builds an astonishing art installation””a testament to the most powerful women he knows””through his fantasy world, he draws strength to triumph in the real one.

In a bold, wondrous and timely film from this revolutionary pioneer of contemporary cinema, Welcome to Marwen shows that when your only weapon is your imagination”¦you’ll find courage in the most unexpected place.

Welcome to Marwen also stars Leslie Mann, Diane Kruger, Merritt Wever, Janelle Monáe, Eiza González, and Gwendolyn Christie.

Universal will release the film on December 21, 2018.

Trailer

[Source: Universal Pictures YT]