Based on the first images of Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut, Lost River looks like it could turn out to be a truly inventive film. Previously titled How to Catch a Monster, Gosling’s dream-like fantasy is sure to travel off the beaten path of most commercial ventures.

One of the lead actors, Iain De Caestecker (In Fear, ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), divulged some general plot details, stating, “It’s about this family living in a town called Lost River, which is perhaps a place that was once full of family and happiness and love, and is now this town that’s slowly descending into a place without any hope. This family is holding on to the foundations of their house and everything they think they need to hold on to.”

In addition to De Caestecker’s explanation, we also know that Christina Hendrick’s (Drive, AMC’s Mad Men) will play a single mother named Billy who is swept up into a dark fantasy world, while her son Bones (De Caestecker) discovers a secret road that leads him to an underwater town.

Christina Hendricks in ‘Lost River’

In the first image we see Henrick’s appearing to be trapped in an enclosed space of some sort. The second photo shows her standing at the entrance to a foreboding building.

What dark secrets are held inside?

The cast will be rounded out by Saoirse Ronan (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Atonement), Eva Mendes (The Place Beyond the Pines, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans), Ben Mendelsohn (Killing Them Softly, Starred Up) and Matt Smith (BBC’s Doctor Who).

Lost River will premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.