Iliza Shlesinger to Star in Romantic Dramedy ‘Chasing Summer’ with an All-Star Ensemble

Comedian and actress Iliza Shlesinger is set to lead the upcoming romantic dramedy ‘Chasing Summer,’ a film she also penned. This highly anticipated project, directed by award-winning filmmaker Josephine Decker, promises a fresh, female-centric perspective on the millennial coming-of-age narrative. The film features a notable ensemble cast, including Megan Mullally, Lola Tung, and several other familiar faces from television and film.

A Glimpse into ‘Chasing Summer’s’ Narrative

‘Chasing Summer’ centers on Jamie, portrayed by Iliza Shlesinger, who experiences a significant life upheaval after losing both her job and her boyfriend. This double setback prompts her return to her quaint Texas hometown. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with old friends and past flings from a pivotal high school summer, leading to unforeseen changes that turn her life upside down.

The filmmakers aim to deliver a contemporary take on the millennial coming-of-age story, deliberately framing it through a distinctly female lens. Shlesinger herself described the movie as “a love letter to my generation, my home state, and (Millennial) nostalgia,” expressing immense pride in the caliber of the cast and crew involved in its creation. The film was shot during the past summer, with its production details kept under wraps until now.

The Creative Visionaries Behind the Film

Josephine Decker, known for her acclaimed independent films such as ‘Madeleine’s Madeline’ and ‘Shirley,’ takes the helm as director for ‘Chasing Summer.’ Decker’s directorial style is often characterized by an experimental approach, prioritizing performance and allowing for spontaneity on set. She is known for creating layered, complex female characters and employing an aesthetic that blends immediate experience with memories, dreams, and fantasies to construct a distinct female gaze. Her work frequently blurs the lines between narrative and experimental cinema, often incorporating elements of documentary and challenging traditional filmic conventions. Decker emphasized the joyful and collaborative nature of the production, highlighting the film’s exploration of “a kaleidoscopic misunderstanding about a place, its people, and our main character’s past.”

The producing team, including Rob Guillermo, Nihaar Sinha, Ray Maiello, and Sam Pressman, praised the unique “alchemy of Iliza’s emotionally resonant story and powerful performance combined with Josephine’s poetic filmmaking.” They expressed their commitment to championing these filmmakers and the extraordinary cast as they redefine genre boundaries.

Meet the Ensemble Cast

Beyond Iliza Shlesinger’s leading role as Jamie and her contribution as the writer, ‘Chasing Summer’ boasts an impressive roster of talent:

• Megan Mullally: Best known for her iconic role as Karen Walker in ‘Will and Grace,’ Mullally brings her comedic prowess and extensive acting experience to the film. Her filmography includes a range of appearances in both television and independent films.
• Lola Tung: Rising to prominence as Isabel “Belly” Conklin in the Amazon Prime Video series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ Tung’s involvement adds a fresh, youthful appeal. She has also made her Broadway debut in ‘Hadestown.’
• Garrett Wareing: An actor with credits in films like ‘The Long Walk’.
• Tom Welling: Widely recognized for his portrayal of Clark Kent in ‘Smallville.’
• Aimee Garcia: Known for her roles in series such as ‘Dexter.’
• Cassidy Freeman: Recognizable from ‘The Righteous Gemstones.’
• Jeff Perry: A veteran actor with notable roles in ‘Scandal.’

Shlesinger herself is a versatile artist, with acting credits including ‘Good on Paper’ (which she also wrote), ‘Spenser Confidential,’ and ‘Pieces of a Woman.’ She is also a successful stand-up comic, with her seventh special, ‘Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal,’ streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, she is the author of ‘All Things Aside: Absolutely Correct Opinions’ and ‘Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity,’ and hosts the podcast ‘AIA: Ask Iliza Anything.’

Production Insights

The film was shot by Eric Branco, with a production team that includes Ray Maiello, Rob Guillermo, Nihaar Sinha, Houston King, Iliza Shlesinger, Sam Pressman, Paula Paizes, and Kara Baker. Executive producers for ‘Chasing Summer’ are Josephine Decker, Louis Krubich, Dan Fried, Christopher Schwarzenegger, Bianca Rusu, Jack Masterson, Andre Eanes, and Rhodes McKee.

Conclusion

‘Chasing Summer’ is poised to be an engaging romantic dramedy, offering a heartfelt and authentic exploration of self-discovery and nostalgia through a distinctly female perspective. With Iliza Shlesinger’s comedic and writing talents converging with Josephine Decker’s acclaimed independent filmmaking style, and supported by a diverse and experienced cast, the film holds significant promise as a compelling addition to the genre.