Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine (Elsa & Fred, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) and Amanda Seyfried (While We’re Young, the upcoming Pan) are set to co-star in Mark Pellington’s upcoming comedy-drama, The Last Word. Pellington previously directed the thrillers Arlington Road and The Mothman Prophecies.

MacLaine will play Harriet, a retired businesswoman and control freak who wants to make sure her obituary is written her way. Assigned to the task, Seyfried’s journalist Anne turns from Harriet’s pre-packaged assignment and instead wants to find out the real truth about Harriet’s life. In the journey of examining Harriet’s life more closely, the two women become unlikely friends as Harriet re-discovers and reconnects to her life passions.

Pellington described the film as “a funny, heartwarming and emotionally tender tale of life. It explores the true source of power for independent women, and is a riotous, life-affirming film about the lessons learned through time and the generational gifts that are bestowed.” Of the star performers, the director continued “This is an actor’s piece, with MacLaine and Seyfried taking the audience on an entertaining and emotionally powerful journey. I’m passionate about working with these two amazing actors and bringing this unique story to life.”

Myriad Pictures will finance and will handle international sales, which began at the Toronto International Film Festival. The project will be produced by Pellington, Anne-Marie MacKay of Wondros and Myriad’s Kirk D’Amico. Aaron Magnani is executive producer.