The Happy Prince, written and directed by, and starring Rupert Everett, which has its European premiere this weekend at the Berlin International Film Festival as a Special Gala, has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for release in the US. Sony Pictures Classics is planning a 2018 release.

The film which also stars Colin Morgan, Edwin Thomas, Colin Firth, Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson, had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

The last days of Oscar Wilde—and the ghosts that haunted them—are vividly evoked in Rupert Everett’s directorial debut. Everett gives a career defining performance as Wilde, physically and emotionally embodying the literary genius as he lives out his last days in exile in Europe. His body ailing and heavy, his mind spinning, he survives by falling back on the flamboyant irony and brilliant wit that defined him. As the film travels through Wilde’s final act and journeys through England, France and Italy, desire and loyalty face off, the transience of lust is laid bare, and the true riches of love are revealed.

“I am absolutely thrilled, particularly because Michael and Tom distributed my first film Another Country,” said Everett.