The world premiere of David Fincher’s thriller starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike will open the New York Film festival on September 26.

Fox will release the Gillian Flynn adaptation on October 3. New Regency and Pacific Standard are the producers on what is shaping up to be Fincher’s latest awards contender since The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in 2011.

Gone Girl centres on the search for a young woman’s killer that puts the husband in the spotlight. Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry also star.

Gone Girl is so many things at once: sharp as a razor about many aspects of American life that have been untouched by movies, very tough and just as funny, brilliantly acted, and 100% entertaining — a wild ride from start to finish,” said New York Film Festival director and selection committee chair Kent Jones.

“In short, a great American movie based on a literary phenomenon, directed by one of the best film-makers alive. I’m so proud to have the world premiere of this film as our opening night.”

The 52nd NYFF will run until October 12.