Casey Affleck’s film “Company” had its world premiere on Tuesday at the Venice Film Festival, marking a contemplative exploration of grief and compassion set against a quiet family drama. Directed and co-written by Affleck, the film is set in the winter of 1975 and centers on the disruption caused by a mysterious woman’s arrival at a holiday gathering. From this starting point, the narrative unfolds to include multiple perspectives and deeper emotional currents.

Affleck described the film as not explicitly political but acknowledged that global conflicts informed some of its emotional landscape. “I’m not impervious to the world around me,” he said, indicating that the film, while focused on intimate themes, reflects broader tensions and internal struggles.

The cast includes veteran actors Nick Nolte and Ben Mendelsohn, alongside Affleck’s own children, Atticus and Indiana Affleck. Although both children were initially reluctant to participate, Affleck said their involvement was a unique and rewarding experience. “They were amazing and it made it the best professional experience of my life by far because I got to go to work every day with my kids and hang around,” he said. Affleck expressed a desire to work with them again despite anticipating some resistance.

“Company” is dedicated to Affleck’s parents, who both appear in the film and passed away earlier this year. He noted that they were unable to see the finished work.

The film is competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award, with winners to be announced on Saturday by the jury chaired by Maggie Gyllenhaal.