Matt and Mara
A naturalistic relationship drama about the special friendship – or is it something more? – between married literature professor Mara and Matt, a somewhat neurotic writer.
Back in their college days, Mara and Matt shared a close bond, but that was years ago. Now, Mara is a professor in Toronto, married to Samir, and the mother of a toddler. When Matt – now a successful author – unexpectedly walks into Mara’s classroom, their friendship picks up right where it left off. They spend hours together, laughing at each other’s lame jokes and diving into intense conversations. But what is the nature of their relationship now? And how close is it to infidelity?
Matt and Mara is the fourth feature film by Canadian director Kazik Radwanski. For this portrait of a When Harry Met Sally-like friendship, Radwanski encouraged lead actors Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson to improvise. The film draws on the mumblecore genre – a film movement that emerged in the early 2000s, known for its focus on personal relationships, the everyday lives of young adults, and its emphasis on authenticity, spontaneity, and natural dialogue.