We’ve got some multi-tasking, multiple-hat-wearing filmmakers on this week’s BEHIND THE LENS as we’re looking at two indie gems with two wonderful filmmakers – LISA BRENNER, who is discussing her feature narrative screenwriting debut, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, which she also produces and in which she stars alongside Linda Lavin in her final big screen performance; and DEVIN MONTGOMERY, who makes his feature directorial debut with the drama MONSTERS WITHIN. And like Lisa, he also stars in his film, as well as serving as writer and editor.
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY, which is based on Lisa’s own life, explores themes of family, identity, and unity, all done with heart and laughter. On her 40th birthday, Rachel is grappling with a looming midlife crisis and the nerve-wracking task of delivering a speech at her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. But when a DNA test unexpectedly reveals that she’s only half-Jewish and her beloved father isn’t her biological parent, Rachel’s life is thrown into disarray, and suddenly, she’s embarking on a hilarious journey with her eccentric mother Lenore to find out who she really is. And as if you hadn’t already guessed, Linda Lavin plays eccentric mother Lenore to Lisa’s Rachel.
Directed by Matt Sohn, ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is written, produced, and stars Lisa Brenner along with Linda Lavin, Lumi Pollack, Dante Brasco, Sabrina Cofield, and Josh Fadem, among others. Funny from beginning to end, while the film focuses in large part on the relationship between a Jewish mother and daughter, it will resonate with almost every daughter out there, no matter what their nationality or religion. The story itself is well structured in terms of story and character development, as well as the visuals under Matt Sohn’s direction and the work of cinematographer Ryan Little.
I am particularly enamored with many of the one-liners peppered throughout, the majority of which are delivered by Linda Lavin, who brings such life, such joy, and such humor to the proceedings. Lisa has a terrific grasp of the mother-daughter colloquial dynamic, as well as writing dialogue that feels natural and conversational. In our conversation, Lisa discusses the genesis of the film and why, after her 30-some years in the business, this was the time to tell her story. A very hands-on producer, we also delve into, among other production elements, the casting process as well as her collaboration with director Matt Sohn and the visual look and feel that Lisa wanted for the film. And she not only goes into great detail about casting Linda Lavin, but has some wonderful anecdotes for us. Lisa also touches on the challenges of balancing acting, writing, and producing, and her future plans to direct, as well as the challenges of staying relevant and working over the decades in this ever-changing medium.
ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY is in theatres now.
Then we go a bit darker with DEVIN MONTGOMERY and MONSTERS WITHIN, the story of Luke Wolf, a war veteran, who returns to his hometown, where his sister Elle is, who has Down Syndrome. Things are different, or maybe it’s just that now he’s different. After years of running from his problems, Luke must face his monsters.
Written, directed, produced, edited, and starring Devin as Luke Wolf, MONSTERS WITHIN also stars Samuel French, Skeeta Jenkins, Daniella Montgomery, Kendall Cavener, and Katy Hayes. A very impressive feature debut all around, MONSTERS WITHIN evolved from a short film he made in 2020 called “A Monster Within,” which focused on a brother-sister relationship, inspired by his real-life relationship with his sister, Daniella, who has Down syndrome. Devin wanted to tell a new story that highlighted this dynamic and included his sister as the heart and soul of the film. The film explores the idea that everyone has their own “monsters within”—personal struggles and challenges. This led Devin to create a film that is introspective and relatable to people on a personal level.
There are some beautiful visuals in MONSTERS WITHIN thanks to not only cinematographer Brandon Stewart with dutched angles and macro ECUs, but one scene that showcases a monologue by Devin’s character of Luke, was also shot by Devin himself. It is stunning. As Devin and I talk about the film, he highlights the challenges of wearing multiple hats as writer, director, producer, editor, and lead actor, as well as emphasizing the emotional intensity of portraying a veteran with PTSD. And we talk about montages and Devin’s visual inspiration from Terrence Malick films. One of the interesting aspects of our conversation that other filmmakers may appreciate is the discussion of the editing process. Devin was editing while filming, and because he was shooting the film mostly in order, it allowed him to review and adjust the story as it unfolded and make creative decisions on the fly, especially after seeing impactful performances that inspired new storylines and character developments.
MONSTERS WITHIN is available on multiple digital platforms.
