He’s been out of the limelight for a long time but Joaquin Phoenix looks like he’s back to his acting best thanks to this teaser trailer for his new film The Master.

The film which is directed by Paul T. Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood) sees Phoenix (Gladiator, Walk the Line) play the right-hand man to Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Capote), whose character is a charismatic leader involved with a religious organisation known as the ‘Cause’. Phoenix is the main focus throughout the trailer despite his supporting role in the film but the facial expressions tell you that he means business here.

Oscar-nominee Amy Adams (Enchanted, The Fighter) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park) co-star in the film which is being released in the UK early next year.

A lot of people already seem to think the film might be an Oscar contender but it’s early days yet. It would be more conclusive if we got to see Hoffman and Adams a lot more in the next trailer. But there’s no denying how impressive Phoenix looks already and it would be great for him to get recognised after his sublime performances in Gladiator and Walk the Line.