The entertainment world is buzzing with the announcement of a new period drama that promises to blend poignancy with the vibrant pulse of Manhattan. Insomniac City, a feature adaptation of Bill Hayes’ 2017 memoir, will explore a late-life, age-gap romance that unfolded between the writer-photographer and the celebrated neurologist Oliver Sacks. The project has already secured a director, lead actors, and a sales agency, setting the stage for a film that could become a landmark in LGBTQ+ storytelling.
Casting and creative leadership
At the heart of the picture, Jonathan Bailey will portray Bill Hayes, the memoir’s author, while the acclaimed Bill Nighy steps into the role of Oliver Sacks. Both performers bring extensive experience in nuanced, character-driven work, and their pairing has already generated considerable excitement among fans of the actors’ previous collaborations. The screenplay is being co-written by director Dominic Cooke—known for his work on On Chesil Beach and The Courier—together with Hayes himself, ensuring the narrative retains the intimacy of the original text.
Behind the camera, the production is being shepherded by the UK-Australian company Brouhaha Entertainment, with Troy Lum and Andrew Mason listed as producers. Additional producing support comes from Mike Goodridge and Gabrielle Tana, while executive producers Will Clarke, Andy Mason, and Mike Runagall represent the sales firm Altitude. Altitude will present the project to international buyers at the upcoming American Film Market, signalling confidence in the film’s global appeal.
Storyline and thematic core
Insomniac City follows Hayes as he relocates from San Francisco to New York after a personal tragedy, seeking renewal amid the city’s restless energy. In this new chapter, he discovers an unexpected affection not only for the metropolis but also for Sacks, whose work in neurology had already made him a cultural icon. The narrative examines how love can flourish in later years, offering a portrait of “second chances” that feels both intimate and expansive. As Hayes himself observed, the relationship allowed both men to experience “adventure and fun” despite the looming shadow of mortality.
The film’s backdrop—New York’s constant hum—acts as more than a setting; it becomes a character that mirrors the protagonists’ yearning for reinvention. According to Cooke, the project is intended as “a love letter to New York City,” celebrating its capacity to foster unexpected connections. Viewers can therefore anticipate a story that intertwines personal grief, communal hope, and the city’s boundless possibilities, all underscored by the genuine voice of Hayes, who helped shape the screenplay.
Production timeline and market positioning
While principal photography has not yet commenced, the project was officially unveiled at the American Film Market in November 2026, indicating that financing and key talent are already in place. No specific shoot dates or release window have been announced, but the involvement of high-profile actors and a seasoned director suggests a timetable that could align with major festival circuits later this decade. Altitude’s role as worldwide sales agent further underscores the ambition to position Insomniac City as both a critical darling and a commercially viable title in the growing market for sophisticated LGBTQ+ cinema.
In addition to the on-screen talent, the film benefits from the legacy of Oliver Sacks, whose bestselling books—such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Awakenings—have already been adapted for the screen. This connection provides an additional layer of cultural resonance, potentially attracting audiences familiar with Sacks’ contributions to both medicine and popular culture. As the project moves from development toward filming, anticipation continues to rise for a movie that could blend heartfelt romance with a celebration of New York’s enduring allure.
