Film and Television Interest in What Remains
A recent report in The Bookseller highlighted growing interest in Rupert Callender’s memoir What Remains: Life, Death and the Human Art of Undertaking, with film and television rights optioned by Working Title Films, the production company behind a number of internationally recognised films.
The article notes that the memoir, first published in 2022, traces Ru’s unconventional path into the funeral profession and explores the experiences that shaped his distinctive approach to undertaking. The book has been described by its publisher as a candid and deeply human account that challenges conventional ideas about death, grief and what it means to care for the dead.
A Story That Resonates Beyond the Page
According to the report, the decision to option the screen rights reflects the strong narrative and emotional depth of the memoir. Ru’s work stands apart from traditional portrayals of funeral directors, focusing instead on personal participation, honesty and the individuality of each farewell.
The article also highlights the distinctive character of Ru’s practice, shaped by influences beyond the funeral industry, including subculture, community and a strong do-it-yourself ethos. These experiences, combined with the realities of his work, have helped create a story that lends itself naturally to dramatic interpretation.
A Personal and Reflective Memoir
In the interview quoted by the publication, Ru expresses both humility and curiosity about the possibility of his memoir being adapted for the screen, suggesting that any retelling would need to capture both the humour and the emotional weight of working so closely with death and bereavement.
The publisher also notes that What Remains combines professional insight with personal reflection, presenting an honest account of the realities of undertaking while also exploring broader questions about life, meaning and human connection.
Bringing Conversations About Death to a Wider Audience
If developed for film or television, the story could introduce a much wider audience to alternative approaches to funerals and the importance of participation, ritual and authenticity in the grieving process. The article suggests that the memoir’s combination of compassion, candour and unconventional storytelling is what makes it particularly compelling for adaptation.
You can read the original report in The Bookseller here:
https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/film-and-tv-rights-to-rupert-callenders-memoir-snapped-up