New Trailer: '12 Years a Slave' is Intense

Michael Fassbender has reunited with his Shame director Steve McQueen alongside an all-star cast for a stirring film about slavery that looks to pull no punches -- and will undoubtedly be the center of attention come awards season. Watch the first trailer for 12 Years a Slave.

Based on an incredible true story, 12 Years a Slave is set in the pre-Civil War era and follows the dramatic turn of events experienced by Solomon Northup (Inside Man star Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York who is double-crossed, abducted and sold into slavery in the South. There, he struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.

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Fassbender plays the cruel and malevolent slave owner, while Brad Pitt plays a Canadian abolitionist who forever alters Solomon's remarkable life.

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In theaters October 18, 12 Years a Slave also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfre Woodard, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Michael Kenneth Williams, Chris Chalk, Taran Killam and Bill Camp.