Charlie Heaton & Mia Wasikowska in Romantic Comedy ‘Twice Over’

Award-winning actors Charlie Heaton and Mia Wasikowska are set to lead the cast of the upcoming romantic comedy ‘Twice Over,’ an Australian production that has already generated significant industry buzz. Athens-based boutique sales company Heretic has secured the international sales rights for the film, marking a promising start for the project currently in pre-production.

The Premise of ‘Twice Over’

‘Twice Over’ is described as an intimate and quietly offbeat narrative exploring themes of reconnection and emotional reckoning. The story centers on two individuals whose unexpected reunion reignites long-buried emotions and unaddressed questions about love, the passage of time, and personal reinvention. Specifically, the plot revolves around Anna, a 37-year-old drifter who inherits her uncle’s apartment in Perth. While clearing out the flat to sell it, she encounters George, a similarly unattached man, and a romance begins to develop. The film delves into whether this burgeoning relationship can endure amidst the temporary and uncertain nature of their lives.

Leading Talent: Charlie Heaton and Mia Wasikowska

The film boasts a compelling lead duo. Charlie Heaton, widely recognized for his role in “Stranger Things,” as well as his performances in “The Souvenir Part II” and “The New Mutants,” brings his established talent to the romantic comedy genre. Mia Wasikowska, acclaimed for her work in films such as “Bergman Island,” “Club Zero,” and “Alice in Wonderland,” will star opposite Heaton. Their combined presence is anticipated to create an engaging dynamic on screen.

Visionary Direction by Alena Lodkina

‘Twice Over’ is helmed by Australian filmmaker Alena Lodkina, who co-wrote the screenplay with Miles Allinson. Lodkina is known for her distinctive voice in contemporary Australian cinema, characterized by a unique blend of realism, mystery, and emotional precision. Her previous feature films, ‘Strange Colours’ (premiering at the Venice Film Festival in 2017) and ‘Petrol’ (debuting at the Locarno Film Festival in 2022 and recognized as a standout at New Directors/New Films 2023), have solidified her reputation as an original and compelling director.

Exceptional Behind-the-Scenes Team

The project is further strengthened by a highly regarded crew:

• Casting Director: BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Shaheen Baig is responsible for casting ‘Twice Over.’ Her impressive portfolio includes acclaimed projects like “Adolescence” and “Black Mirror,” underscoring her ability to identify exceptional talent.
• Cinematographer: J-P Passi, an acclaimed director of photography, is attached to the film. His notable work includes “Compartment No. 6,” “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki,” and episodes for major series such as “The Last of Us” and “Chernobyl.”

Production and Financial Backing

The film is an Australian production, with principal photography scheduled to commence in Perth, Western Australia, later this year. The production team includes Kate Glover and Nathan Lewis for Never/Sleep Pictures, Aidan O’Bryan for WBMC, and Gregory Jankilevitsch for Mid-March Media. The project has secured significant production investment from Screen Australia, with additional support from Screenwest and Lotterywest. Executive producers for ‘Twice Over’ include Klaudia Smieja, Rebecca Lenkiewicz, Samantha Lang, Lee Hazeldene, Ioanna Stais, and Giorgos Karnavas.

Heretic’s Role in International Distribution

Heretic, an Athens-based boutique sales company, has taken on the international sales for ‘Twice Over.’ Ioanna Stais, Heretic’s head of sales and acquisitions, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the anticipated “electric” chemistry between Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Heaton under Alena Lodkina’s “daring direction.” This partnership aims to introduce the film to a global audience, leveraging the strong creative team and compelling storyline.

Industry Anticipation

The announcement has garnered positive reactions within the film industry. Louise Gough, Director of Narrative Content, praised ‘Twice Over’ as a “singular work” that offers a fresh and deeply nuanced perspective on love, regret, and the “what if” scenarios of life. The combination of a unique storyline, a talented cast, and an acclaimed creative team positions ‘Twice Over’ as a promising addition to the romantic comedy landscape.