In her latest project, “Dreams of a Life” director Carol Morley returns to deeply personal territory with a planned feature film adaptation of “7 Miles Out.” The semi-autobiographical novel, first published in 2015, chronicles her adolescence in the aftermath of her father’s suicide.
‘Dreams of a Life’ Filmmaker Carol Morley Set to Direct Adaptation of Her Novel ‘7 Miles Out’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Key Takeaways:
- Carol Morley is adapting her novel “7 Miles Out” into a feature film.
- “7 Miles Out” was first published in 2015 and is semi-autobiographical.
- The story follows a teenager, Anne, coping with her father’s suicide.
- The film adaptation is currently in pre-production.
- Themes of adolescence and grief are central to the narrative.
Overview
Carol Morley, who garnered critical attention for directing “Dreams of a Life,” is embarking on a deeply personal cinematic journey with the upcoming adaptation of her semi-autobiographical novel, “7 Miles Out.” Written in 2015, the novel follows the tumultuous teenage years of its protagonist, Anne, after her father’s suicide.
The Novel’s Background
Published in 2015, “7 Miles Out” marked an important moment in Morley’s creative development. The book draws on her own family tragedy, capturing the rawness of adolescent grief and the complexities of navigating life in the shadow of loss. By centering on Anne, a teenager grappling with her father’s death, Morley constructs a narrative that is part memoir, part universal exploration of heartbreak.
Path to Adaptation
According to recent announcements, Morley is already in the pre-production phase for the feature film adaptation. Building on the reflective tone of the novel, the movie aims to convey the emotional depth of the source material. While details remain minimal, industry watchers note that this adaptation will likely preserve the novel’s intimate perspective on familial challenges and self-discovery.
Production Timeline
Below is a brief look at the project’s key milestones:
YEAR | MILESTONE |
---|---|
2015 | Publication of “7 Miles Out” |
2025 | Pre-production begins for film adaptation |
Looking Ahead
With Morley’s established track record of weaving poignant, human-centered stories—evident in “Dreams of a Life”—the anticipation surrounding this new adaptation continues to rise. Audiences can expect a thoughtful portrayal of adolescence, resilience, and the often-complicated process of navigating personal grief.