I sat down with Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge, the co-directors of Charlie Harper, which is world premiering in Special Presentations at TIFF.
This is their feature directorial debut. Notably, Tom, who also wrote the script, penned another film headed to TIFF, Carolina Caroline, starring Samara Weaving.
Here’s the Charlie Harper synopsis:
Harper and Charlie try to build a life together. While Harper strives to carve out a career as a chef, Charlie is stuck. Facing challenges in their relationship, they struggle to prove they are meant for each other, but will it be enough?
The film features two stellar performances by CODA’s Emilia Jones as Harper and Nick Robinson (Love, Simon) as Charlie.
There’s an interesting non-linear element in the film that allows us to ricochet between the couple’s idealized first year together and their contentious present, 5 years into the relationship.
Dean shared:
“That was the core idea from which this relationship story blossomed. Feeling nostalgic for memories that you don't want to return to.”
The idealization of the past pushes Jones and Harper to cling to each other well after it is toxic.
The film has shades of Blue Valentine and even Certified Copy.
Check out the interview below for a deep dive into how they crafted their first feature film.
