WATCH: The first trailer for Martin Scorsese's new film Silence is here

Based upon a 1966 novel of the same name by Japanese author Shūsaku Endō, Silence follows two Portuguese Jesuit priests (played by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver) in the 17th century who suffer a crisis of faith when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor (Liam Neeson).

The film will be released in the US on December 23. UK and Ireland dates have yet to be confirmed, but is not expected to be released across the water until 2017. Apparently the script dates back from as far as 1996. Silence will open with a grand premiere in Vatican City in a month’s time.

Watch the trailer for Silence here: