I was looking forward to every single interview I was lucky enough to do at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, but this one right here is extra special becauseAnimalswound up being one of my favorite films of the entire event. It starsHolliday GraingerandAlia Shawkatas Laura and Tyler, respectively. They’re best friends sharing an apartment in Dublin, partying as often as possible without a care in the world. But, when Laura winds up falling for someone, Tyler grows increasingly concerned that the relationship could wind up ruining their unbreakable bond and non-conformist ideals.
I could gush aboutAnimalsfor far too long so instead, I’ll direct you to my review of the movieright here. Right now though, it’s time to dig into my interview with Grainger, Shawkat, directorSophie HydeandEmma Jane Unsworthwho penned the adaption from her own novel. They talk about the challenges of getting the film off the ground, the hope that the industry will hit a point when we don’t need to prefacefemalefilmmaker, they play a little “Would You Rather,” and more. You can check it all out in the video at the top of this article and, if you’d like, there’s also a handy breakdown of the full conversation below.
I’d also like to take a moment to give special thanks to our Collider Studio partner, the all new2020 Kia Telluride, which was transporting filmmakers to our studio in celebration of the debut of the all new model, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV that is several inches longer and wider than the brand’s award-winning Sorento.
Libations were also flowing at the Collider Studio with parties hosted byLIFEWTR, Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Blue Moon Belgian WhiteandDragonfly Coffee Roasters. Food during the parties was provided byGreene St. Kitchen of Palms Casino Resortlead by Chef Du CuisineLanny Chin. Brand partners active during the day includedmou, a luxury footwear and accessories line, andThe Wild Immersionendorsed by Jane Goodall who was on-site with the world’s first “virtual reserve.”
Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat, Sophie Hyde & Emma Jane Unsworth:
Here’s the official Sundance synopsis forAnimals:
Would-be writer Laura (Holliday Grainger) and her free-spirited bestie Tyler (Alia Shawkat) share a messy Dublin apartment and a hearty appetite for booze, Molly, and one-night stands. Yet when Laura falls for Jim (Fra Fee), a charming but straitlaced classical pianist, Tyler worries that the party may soon be over.
