A24 and DirecTV have acquired U.S. rights to World War II drama “The Exception,” starring Lily James, Jai Courtney and Christopher Plummer.

“The Exception” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month. Producers are Judy Tossell and Lou Pitt; the film is an Egoli Tossell Film/Ostar Production in association with Alton Road Prods., Silver Reel, uMedia, Lotus Entertainment and Film House Germany.

UTA negotiated the deal. Lotus is selling the foreign rights.

“The Exception” is directed by David Leveaux from Simon Burke’s script, based on Alan Judd’s novel “The Kaiser’s Last Kiss.” Courtney portrays a German officer sent to Holland to determine if the British Secret Service has infiltrated the home of Kaiser Wilhelm II, played by Plummer. He also begins a dangerous affair with a young Jewish Dutch woman, played by James.

Janet McTeer, Eddie Marsan and Ben Daniels also star in “The Exception.”

James starred in “Cinderella” and “Downton Abbey.” Courtney starred in “Suicide Squad.”