A new family drama: ‘What If’ set to captivate audiences
A star-studded cast ready to shine
Lea Thompson, known for her iconic role in ”Back to the Future,” Kevin Pollak from “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Leanne Melissa Bishop of “The Weight of Perfection,” and Aaron Ashmore from “Ginny & Georgia” are set to star in the upcoming feature film What If. This intriguing family drama is a collaboration between Penguin Pictures and Farpoint Films.
A promising directorial vision
Directed by Lindsay MacKay, whose previous works include “The Swearing Jar” and “Wet Bum,” What If made its market debut at the Toronto Film Festival. MacKay’s unique storytelling style and ability to delve deep into character development have set high expectations for this film.
A journey of self-discovery
What If follows Marley, a woman in her forties who discovers she was part of a hospital birth mix-up. This revelation propels her on a journey to redefine the concept of family, accompanied by an old high school friend who is also confronting his own truths. The narrative promises to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Behind the scenes: A powerhouse team
The screenplay, penned by Leanne Melissa Bishop, is produced by Michael P. Mason, Bishop, and Kyle Bornais of Farpoint Films. Peter Wetherell serves as the executive producer. The film’s creative team boasts veterans from the Toronto film scene, with MacKay’s debut “Wet Bum” premiering at the festival in 2014 and her sophomore feature “The Swearing Jar” screening in 2022. Mason, a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre, has a history of working on films showcased at Toronto and other major festivals.
Anticipation builds as production nears
Currently in the pre-production phase, What If is slated to begin filming later this year. The excitement surrounding the project is palpable, with the cast and crew eager to bring this heartfelt story to life.
A cast that brings depth and authenticity
“We are beyond excited about the talented cast we’ve assembled,” said Mason. “‘What If’ is filled with complex, layered characters, and this cast’s combined talent and experience are a perfect fit to breathe life into this heartfelt story. These days, audiences are yearning for authenticity in their content, and there’s a real desire globally for films that tell these kinds of universal human stories. Lindsay has such a great instinct with character, and we can’t wait to see how she works with this incredible cast to bring the script to life.”
Bishop echoed these sentiments, adding, “I am thrilled to be working with such an exceptional cast on this film that is so near and dear to me. Each talent brings their own unique voice, which will allow all of these characters to come to life. For me, family is very important, and family means different things to many people. Often in life, we find ourselves searching for a sense of belonging, wanting to be accepted. I hope this film helps people to understand, accept, and love themselves for exactly who they are. I’m excited to see the magic everyone brings to the big screen.”
A deeper look at the themes
What If promises to be more than just a film; it’s a reflection on the human condition. The story’s exploration of identity and belonging resonates deeply in today’s world, where many are searching for their place and purpose. The film’s narrative encourages viewers to embrace their true selves and find strength in their unique journeys.
Links to explore more
For those eager to get a glimpse of what’s to come, check out the trailers and information pages for the cast’s previous works:
Stay tuned for more updates on What If as it progresses through production. This film is set to be a poignant addition to the world of cinema, offering a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be family.