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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Molly Gordon wasn't landing starring roles. So she co-wrote one for herself in 'Oh, Hi!'
Conventional wisdom now has it that Hollywood no longer creates and nurtures young stars in the way it once did. Which is to say that if the system won't do it for her, Molly Gordon will simply make herself a leading lady. Known for supporting roles in series such as 'The Bear' and 'Winning Time' and features such as 'Booksmart,' 'Shiva Baby' and 'Theater Camp' (which she also co-wrote and co-directed), Gordon is finally stepping up to her first leading role in a film, for the new 'Oh, Hi!' with a performance that is equally heartfelt as it is unhinged. It premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, after which it was acquired for distribution by Sony Pictures Classics. Gordon shares a story credit on the film and is also a producer, as she takes a stronger grip on creating the roles (and career) that studios may not yet be providing her. Smart, witty and vulnerable, she can come across as a modern iteration of the urbane persona of Diane Keaton. 'I don't think I've gotten to really show this emotion or this darkness or gotten to be this crazy,' says Gordon, 29, of her "Oh, Hi!" turn. 'It would've been cool if it came with someone else giving me that opportunity, but it just didn't really feel like that was going to happen. So hopefully this shows people that I can do other things. But if not, I will keep trying to make my own things.' The movie stars Gordon and Logan Lerman as Iris and Isaac, taking their first out-of-town trip together to a romantic rental house in the country. After some zesty, playful sex inspired by the adult toys they discover in a closet, Isaac reveals — ill-advisedly — that he doesn't see theirs as a committed relationship while still handcuffed to a bed. She takes this as an opportunity to convince him otherwise, leaving him chained up as she pleads her case for why they would make a great couple. He threatens to have her arrested, she calls for backup from her friends (Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds) and complications ensue. Entering a fashionable Los Feliz bistro in a sunshine yellow scoop-neck minidress, a forest green ballcap for local NPR station KCRW perched atop her head, Gordon greets me with an endearingly awkward exchange — to stay seated to shake hands or stand up and hug? — to rival any high-'90s romantic-comedy heroine. 'I've been calling it a rom-com gone wrong,' says Gordon, 'because I don't know how else to explain it. She thinks they're in a rom-com but they're not in a rom-com." 'Oh, Hi!' enters a summer of debate about the modern romantic comedy, with Celine Song's 'Materialists' and Lena Dunham's 'Too Much' pushing the form in some new directions. The premise of 'Oh, Hi!' is something of a Trojan horse, as its girl-takes-boy-hostage concept creates a platform for conversations and considerations on the difficulties of dating. With her mix of winsome appeal and knowing air, Gordon feels of a piece with such established rom-com stars such as Meg Ryan, Reese Witherspoon or Kate Hudson — yet with just enough smartphone-era savvy to also feel particularly now. 'I think the world is in such a heightened place that it feels like maybe the right rom-com of our time,' she adds. 'In this moment, nothing feels normal. It's not like Meg and faking an orgasm at the deli anymore. Life is just crazy. It's just a different moment.' Born and raised on the westside of Los Angeles, Gordon moved to New York City for college but soon dropped out to pursue acting full-time. In the years since she has typically split her time between the two cities, but has most recently been spending more time in New York, especially since her parents moved there after losing their home in the January fires. Perhaps in a rom-com premise all its own, Gordon is in what she describes as 'a new chapter in New York.' Gordon's mother Jessie Nelson is a director and screenwriter whose credits include the features 'Corrina, Corrina,' and 'I Am Sam,' while her father Bryan Gordon is a prolific television director. (He once worked with a young Lerman in an episode of the short-lived series 'Jack & Bobby.') "Oh, Hi!" writer-director Sophie Brooks and Gordon are longtime friends who found themselves both back in their parents' houses during the early stages of the pandemic and commiserating on relationship troubles and uncommunicative exes. 'She's so funny and dynamic and she has this inherent charm and likability to her onscreen that feels like a leading-lady energy,' says Brooks, 35, of Gordon's onscreen presence. 'She also has this range of being able to do really sentimental, sincere scenes and also being incredibly funny and absurd and big." Viswanathan, 30, was sitting in a sushi spot on Sunset Boulevard that she and Gordon often go to together as she took a call recently to talk about her friend. The two have been close ever since meeting while shooting the 2020 movie 'The Broken Hearts Gallery' and Viswanathan recalled also being surprised when Gordon mentioned that "Oh, Hi!" was her first time leading a film. 'She said to me once: 'This industry is like a swinging spotlight that shines its light on people at various times,' ' said Viswanathan, who also appeared in this summer's 'Thunderbolts*.' 'And I just think that was one of the most profound pieces of wisdom and advice that I've gotten from anybody in the business. That's the perfect way to think about it, because the spotlight — it moves around. She just feels like such a seasoned pro.' Alongside Viswanathan, Gordon is also close with such multi-hyphenate talents as Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, forming a cohort of smart, talented women who have all been navigating Hollywood on and off-screen together. Gordon likes to keep up with the Hollywood trades, reading scripts and tracking projects she has nothing to do with out of a mix of amateur enthusiasm and professional curiosity. She projects a composure and clear-eyed point-of-view that may come partly from growing up around the industry but also from her own studious interest in how the contemporary entertainment business works, right now, from how films get green-lit to how celebrity gossip gets circulated Last year Gordon found herself the target of unexpected scrutiny when tabloid photos emerged of her with her 'The Bear' co-star Jeremy Allen White, stoking fevered speculation from the show's passionate fandom. 'Oh, Hi!' also includes Gordon's first nude scenes, with pictures taken from a preview screening popping up online before the film had even opened. It has taken all her sharpness and confidence to steer around these pitfalls of rising fame. 'I think the internet is really gross and scary and I've become my most depressed when I start to view my art through that or I read too much of that stuff," says Gordon. "That's the hardest part about making things in 2025. But then I also talk about this with my sounding board of women, it's like you have to kind of be a little bit on the internet to know what people want and it helps your art. Especially with comedy, you want it to be so of the time. But then sometimes I'll read stuff and I'll be like, 'Oh, now I'm thinking about making a movie through this lens of a review or a bad comment.' It's just hard to find that balance. So I try to not look at it that much.' As to whether she is currently in any kind of relationship with anyone at all, Gordon says succinctly, 'I don't ever want to talk about my personal life. Remember Jack Nicholson with the sunglasses sitting courtside at the Lakers? Let's all go back to that.' The nature of the story in 'Oh, Hi!' meant that Lerman spent long stretches of the production handcuffed to a bed, sometimes for hours at a time. Between shots, Gordon would make sure he had water or fetch him snacks. 'She really was looking after everybody in this production and really wanting everybody to do their best work,' Lerman, 33, says in a phone call from his home in Los Angeles. 'It was infectious. And I think it flowed through to everybody else, every other department, just how much Molly loved this movie.' Read more: Logan Lerman and the pandemic vice he learned from Stanley Tucci Brooks notes how when Gordon was in a scene, their dynamic was one of actor and director, but between shots, 'she was an incredibly active producer, really dealing with nitty-gritty things.' During one pivotal early scene, in which the two main characters have a romantic dinner outside, complications almost forced a revision due to budget and scheduling issues. But it was Gordon who backed up her director. 'It was written as outside — I wanted it to be outside," Brooks remembers. "And there was this day where kind of everybody was pushing me to move it inside. And she was like, 'Sophie, you don't want it inside. You want it outside, it should be outside.' And she was right. I was so grateful to her in that moment that my producer was like, 'No, that's not what you want. let's keep it as you intended it.' ' Viswanathan recalled a time when she and Gordon were going up for the same role and worked on their self-taped auditions together. (Neither got the part.) Gordon's notes and direction were decisive and convincing, and so Viswanathan is not surprised to see her moving further toward creating and shepherding her own projects. 'It's a very precarious landscape for women with roles like ['Oh, Hi!'s' Iris],' said Viswanathan. 'But that's kind of the magic of Molly. She's just the most likable person. It was something that she had to constantly find the balance for: how crazy to make her, how sympathetic, how comedic, how dramatic. It's a difficult tone. So watching her navigate all of it on no sleep was really a marvel.' As an actor Gordon will soon be seen alongside Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson in the 2026 live-action-animation hybrid 'Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie' (for which, she emphasizes, they all play people). Gordon is also co-writing the screenplay for a remake of the '80s comedy 'Outrageous Fortune' about two struggling actresses for Searchlight Pictures which she hopes to be allowed to direct herself. 'What I have in my head is going to be big,' says Gordon, likening the idea to "The Nice Guys," the Ryan Gosling-Russell Crowe action-comedy. 'And so I'm going to have to convince people and do the song-and-dance. And I'm ready to do it.' Before that she will direct and star in the high school reunion comedy 'Peaked,' which she also co-wrote, for A24. 'The movie kind of explores the age that I'm at right now, which is kind of: Where do we fit? I'm not a mother but I'm not the naive 22-year-old. I'm in this nebulous place of like: Where do we put her?' says Gordon. 'Which is kind of why I started writing my own stuff.' Has she answered that question for herself yet? 'Where do I fit? I think it's a constant question,' says Gordon. 'I'm lucky to have that mirrored back in all my friends who see the world in a similar way that I do. But I'll be on my journey of where do I fit probably till I die.' Interview finished and on her way to the door, Gordon navigates her farewell having already reconfigured the blocking of who sits and who stands in a small-scale piece of directing, producing and performing all at once. That's at least one problem solved. Sign up for Indie Focus, a weekly newsletter about movies and what's going on in the wild world of cinema. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lili Reinhart's queer indie series, 'Hal & Harper,' is hitting MUBI this fall
Sapphics, are you paying attention? You are going to want to know this: A new independent streaming series starring Lili Reinhart and Cooper Raiff is headed our way! On Monday, Deadline broke the news that streaming service MUBI acquired the rights to Hal & Harper, an eight-episode show centered around the titular codependent siblings, played by Reinhart and Raiff. Raiff also created, wrote, and directed the show. The series premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, earning rave reviews from viewers who appreciated both the heart and the comedy at the core of the show. Notably, both Reinhart and Raiff also play the much younger versions of themselves in childhood flashbacks, adding a Pen15-like quality to those sequences. If that wasn't enough to have us looking forward to Hal & Harper, it's also got a stacked cast that includes some queer faves. Mark Ruffalo plays their father, Betty Gilpin plays his girlfriend, and Bottoms' Havana Rose Liu plays the girl Hal is interested in. Oh, and did we mention Harper has a girlfriend? The Sex Lives of College Girls star Alyah Chanelle Scott tackles that role, while Addison Timlin plays the coworker Harper is crushing on. MUBI has had a hand in distributing several well-received queer films in recent years, including Shiva Baby, Knife + Heart, and Benedetta. Hal & Harper is one of a few series they have coming up, with the acquisition being praised by those hoping independent TV is a viable way forward. "MUBI is the perfect home for our very specific family show. They're a singular platform that understands the art they're putting out," Raiff told Deadline. "I am in awe of what they've done recently, and am excited to be a part of the family." And if you're still on the fence about the whole thing, we'll just leave this here: — (@) Hal & Harper will premiere on MUBI sometime this fall.
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Masterpiece' horror movie with 'best plot twist ever' is streaming on iPlayer
The film has an impressive 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been described as "impeccably cast and smartly written". A chilling horror movie that's been dubbed a '10/10' must-watch by fans is now streaming at no charge. The film has garnered accolades for featuring the 'best plot twist ever' - and it's hitting BBC iPlayer for free this weekend. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies boasts an impressive 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and has earned glowing reviews for being "impeccably cast and smartly written", as well as "an uncommonly well-done whodunit". The plot centres around: "When a group of rich 20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game goes awry in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong." With a young and talented cast, the film features stars like Amandla Stenberg from The Hate U Give, Rachel Sennott from Shiva Baby, and the comedian Pete Davidson. Horror enthusiasts believe this film is grossly underrated, with many voices on Rotten Tomatoes comments section singing its praises, reports Surrey Live. One fan remarked: "What initially seemed like a typical teen horror flick turns out to be a fun and surprisingly well-crafted film." Another added their voice stating: "Bodies Bodies Bodies is a sharp, satirical take on Gen Z culture wrapped in a murder mystery. "The dialogue is witty and self-aware, capturing the internet-fueled language of the TikTok generation. It's not your typical slasher flick; it's more of a psychological whodunit with a cheeky twist." Several viewers found themselves entirely gripped by the "insane" twist of the tale, with one confessing: "Best plot twist ever. Be prepared to be amazed." One viewer enthused: "A well done fun guilty pleasure murder mystery film with sure some cheesy lines but some good acting and scenes that hooks you in with twists and a wow of an ending." Another fan raved: "Another A24 masterpiece, insane plot twist, hilarious, it just has it all." However, some viewers were left unimpressed, with one dismissing it as "pure dribble" and another criticising: "Highly annoying, unlikeable characters. I regret watching this." In contrast, professional critics were largely full of praise, with The Times' Edward Porter noting: "In general the film crackles with life. It has a caustic script, a stormy atmosphere and a talented cast." The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey observed: "It's peak nihilistic entertainment, watching these souls try, in vain, to keep their fragile reputations intact while they're drenched head to toe in blood." Empire Magazine's Ella Kemp concluded: "Tense when it needs to be and awfully good fun throughout. Stupidity reigns supreme for these rich kids, but the filmmakers are smart enough to make Bodies Bodies Bodies stick the landing." The Financial Times' Danny Leigh also commented: "The title could hint at either sex or death, and both end up with roles to play in a movie carefully stuffed with rising stars du jour." Bodies Bodies Bodies is streaming tonight at 11.30pm on BBC One and will be available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Netflix orders new comedy series from Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott
Dan Levy is set to join a new TV family. Netflix has ordered a still-untitled sibling crime comedy from the Toronto actor and writer-director. The streaming giant announced the project during its 2025 upfront presentation on Wednesday. Levy co-created the series with 'Shiva Baby' actress Rachel Sennott, and will also star in it alongside Taylor Ortega and Laurie Metcalf. The logline for the series reads, 'Two deeply incapable siblings are blackmailed into the world of organized crime.' 'I'm so excited to be bringing this truly chaotic family story to life with Netflix. Thrilled with the team we're building both behind the scenes and in front of the camera,' Levy said in a statement. 'Taylor Ortega is going to become a household name and it's been my life's mission to get to call Laurie Metcalf 'mother.' Looking forward to getting to share this with everyone.' This will be the first scripted series Levy has created since his Emmy-winning comedy 'Schitt's Creek,' which ran from 2015 to 2020. The new series continues Levy's deal with Netflix via his Not a Real Production Company banner that saw the release of his directorial debut, 2023 dramedy 'Good Grief.' Levy has kept busy in the last five years, hosting the 76th Emmy Awards with his father Eugene Levy and appearing in shows including Netflix's 'Sex Education' and HBO's 'The Idol.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TIFF Next Wave Film Festival: Emma Seligman, 'Bottoms' and 'Shiva Baby' filmmaker, among special guests
The 14th edition of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival kicks off next month (April 10-13), with some notable alumni returning as special guests. Notably, filmmaker Emma Seligman will screen her films Shiva Baby and Bottoms, followed by a Q&A, on April 13. Additionally, I Like Movies writer-director Chandler Levack will host a screening of Fast Times at Ridgemont High on April 10. And drag performer Miss Moço will host a quote-along screening of Josie and the Pussycats. But the stars of the event are the 10 films that have been selected to be part of the festival, made by young filmmakers between the ages of 14 and 24. The themes of the films include, "coming-of-age, exploring new friendships, finding your place in the world, and self-expression through creativity and art." Films are selected by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, which is made up of 12 teen film lovers and creators ranging in ages from 15 to 18, from across the Greater Toronto Area. "TIFF's Next Wave Film Festival reflects our mission to empower young creators and cultivate an exciting relationship with cinema for Toronto's youth that we hope will last a lifetime," a statement from Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer at TIFF, reads. "This is absolutely one of our favourite events of the year as we welcome both new and now-established directors who were themselves a part of this Festival not too long ago, including Emma Seligman. Emma's journey is a testament to how TIFF has nurtured young creators, and the impact of our commitment to discovering new talent and launching the next generation of original storytellers." Brides, dir. Nadia Fall, United Kingdom, 2025 - Canadian Premiere The Dog Thief (El ladrón de perros), dir. Vinko Tomičić Salinas, Bolivia/Chile/Mexico/France/Ecuador, 2024 - Toronto Premiere Manas, dir. Marianna Brennand, Brazil/Portugal, 2024 - Canadian Premiere Pools, dir. Sam Hayes, USA, 2024 - North American Premiere Queens of Drama (Les reines du drame), dir. Alexis Langlois, France/Belgium, 2024 - Toronto Premiere Rape Play, dir. Gabriella Mykal, USA, 2023 - International Premiere Seaside Serendipity (海辺へ行く道), dir. Satoko Yokohama, Japan, 2025 - North American Premiere The Virgin of the Quarry Lake (La Virgen de la Tosquera), dir. Laura Casabe, Argentina/Spain/Mexico, 2025 - Canadian Premiere We Were Dangerous, dir. Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, New Zealand, 2024 - Toronto Premiere Where the Wind Comes From, dir. Amel Guellaty, Tunisia/France/Qatar, 2025 - Canadian Premiere Opening Night: Battle of the Scores & After Party — April 11 Battle of the Scores, co-presented by Insomniac Film Festival, involves four up-and-coming bands being challenged to score two silent short films, and the audience then picks the winner. Loved It: Chandler Levack on Fast Times at Ridgemont High (April 10 at 7:30 pm) Quote-along screening of Josie and the Pussycats (April 12 at 8:00 pm) hosted by drag performer Miss Moço Double-bill screening of Emma Seligman's Shiva Baby and Bottoms with Q&A (starting at 6:30pm on April 12) First-feature director Sam Hayes and producer Jack Heston present the North American Premiere of their film Pools followed by a Q&A Gabriella Mykal will present her debut film Rape Play The Young Creators Co-Lab is a space for young and emerging artists in Toronto to connect with their peers and industry professionals. This year's lab sessions include a new to the festival Focus on Actors panel, with actors sharing advice on "how to navigate the industry and hone your craft as a young actor." There will also be the interactive Let's Get Weird! panel with seven members of the New Toronto Bizarre film movement about building community, DIY filmmaking techniques, and "keeping cinema weird." Francisca Duran and Derek Jenkins will have a panel on the history of expanded cinema and the process of creating moving-image art. In Coming-of-age Confrontations, directors Chandler Levack, Emma Seligman and Sam Hayes will revisit "the scenes that defined their characters' turning points," breaking down their approaches to "accurately and empathetically" representing experiences of being young and "navigating the world on your own terms." Celebrating boundary-pushing work by emerging filmmakers, the Young Creators Showcase focuses on themes of "connection, identity, and finding community," a shorts programme created for youth, by youth.
