The historical drama film Seneca, directed by Robert Schwentke and starring John Malkovich will be released on digital and DVD, starting April 8, 2025 via Freestyle Digital Media.

Along with John Malkovich, the film also stars Tom Xander (‘Nero’), Geraldine Chaplin (‘Cecelia’), Mary-Louise Parker (‘Agrippina’), and the late Julian Sands (‘Rufus’).

The synopsis reads, “The year is 65 AD in Rome. The philosopher Seneca has been Emperor Nero‘s mentor and close advisor since childhood, and has been significantly involved in his ascent. Nevertheless, Nero grows weary of Seneca and uses a foiled attack on his life to falsely accuse Seneca of being an accomplice. Whilst throwing a decadent party at his farmhouse, Seneca receives his surprising death sentence from Emperor Nero, delivered by a messenger. He must be dead by morning. This last night becomes his final test: Who is he really? An opportunist, hypocrite, and collaborator? Or, according to his self-image, a morally upright wise man able to look death in the face without fear? The script is based on historical sources and Seneca‘s original texts.“

“Seneca is an exercise in high camp. The anachronistically told tale of a philosopher and lifestyle coach who helps the tyrant Nero to gain legitimacy in exchange for immeasurable wealth,” said filmmaker Robert Schwentke. “It is a tragic farce about a man‘s unsuccessful attempt to attain immortality through language and ideas to prove with his end: he didn‘t just talk the talk, but he walked the walk.”

Watch the trailer for Seneca.