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Three Thousand Years of Longing

Three Thousand Years of Longing is a 2022 romantic fantasy drama film directed by George Miller.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Three Thousand Years of Longing is a 2022 romantic fantasy drama film directed by George Miller. The film stars Tilda Swinton as a scholar in Istanbul who encounters a djinn played by Idris Elba. It is based on A. S. Byatt's short story 'The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye'.

Premise

The film centers on a lonely academic, Dr Alithea Binnie, who meets a djinn while in Istanbul. The djinn offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom, leading to stories about his long history.

Production

George Miller directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Augusta Gore. The film is based on A. S. Byatt's short story 'The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye' and was produced as a feature-length fantasy drama.

Cast

Tilda Swinton stars as Dr Alithea Binnie and Idris Elba plays the djinn. The cast also includes several supporting performers in roles connected to the djinn's stories and the film's modern framing narrative.

Release

Three Thousand Years of Longing premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and was released theatrically in 2022. The film later became available through digital and streaming platforms.

Key facts

  • The film follows Dr Alithea Binnie, a scholar who encounters a djinn in Istanbul and is offered three wishes.
  • George Miller directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Augusta Gore.
  • The story is adapted from A. S. Byatt's 1994 short story 'The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye'.
  • Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba play the two central characters.
  • The film premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival before its theatrical release.

Frequently asked questions

What is Three Thousand Years of Longing about?
It follows a scholar in Istanbul who discovers a djinn that offers her three wishes, prompting a series of stories about his past.
Who directed Three Thousand Years of Longing?
George Miller directed the film.
What is the film based on?
It is based on A. S. Byatt's short story 'The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye'.
Who stars in the film?
The lead roles are played by Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba.
What genre is Three Thousand Years of Longing?
It is generally described as a romantic fantasy drama.
When was the film released?
It was released in 2022.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9198364/
    Supports: Title, release year, premise, director.
  2. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWGvntl9itE
    Supports: Official trailer details including director, writers, and source material.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Thousand_Years_of_Longing
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, genre, and basis on A. S. Byatt's short story.
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/three-thousand-years-of-longing/umc.cmc.2ya70jyatuz8iuzr05vt5t8ve
    Supports: Premise, year, and main cast.
  5. Google Play — https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/3000_Years_of_Longing?id=ahlwrUrZd_w.P&hl=it
    Supports: Premise, main cast, and setting in Istanbul.
  6. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81597673
    Supports: Synopsis, starring cast, and genre labels.