Los Angeles, Sep 16 (IANS): Actor Ansel Elgort says he had to go to a dark place to get into the character of "The Goldfinch", and it proved out to be his biggest challenge.

"It is a beautiful and intense drama that draws you in. It's the story of a life that was stolen and the ripple effects of a single devastating event," Elgort said.

Based on Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film narrates story of Theo Decker (Elgort), whose life is changed forever when his mother dies in a terrorist bombing at an art museum. He connects with a kind and wealthy woman Mrs. Barbour (essayed by Nicole Kidman), who comforts him in his grief. He also finds a friend in Boris, played by Finn Wolfhard.

"Judging by appearances alone, Theo seems to have gotten himself together. But inside, he is still struggling with his loss and the guilt he has been carrying on his shoulders since childhood. I had to find his inner darkness and getting to that place was my biggest challenge," Elgort added.

Directed by John Crowley, the film will be released in India by Warner Bros. on September 20.