By Mr. Will Wong
Molly McGlynn‘s semi-autobiographical coming of age Comedy FITTING IN strikes that perfect balance of humourous, powerful and affecting. And it was made right at home! The Pink Carpet was rolled-out and the theatre was booked out at Paradise on Bloor, followed by a bustling after party at Osteria Rialto, right next door. In attendance were stars Maddie Ziegler in a breakthrough performance, plus amazing Supporting Actors Emily Hampshire and Djouliet Amara, both exceptional homegrown talent. The Cast also did a Q&A, following the Film’s premiere.
The Film centers on Lindy (Ziegler), who already is having a tough time navigating being a teen, only to be diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) Syndrome, a rare reproductive disorder that leads to her life falling into disarray. McGlynn, who wrote and directed the Film, pulled from her own experiences as a teen, when she was diagnosed with the condition and the on-screen results are something deeply personal and profound. Last night, some actual “MRKG Girls” were in attendance – the take away being to love ourselves exactly the way we were made.
We had the pleasure of chatting with the Cast of FITTING IN on the Pink Carpet, who shared their experiences filming here, and what they hope the audiences will get from the Film.
Amara has actually worked prior with McGlynn on series THE BIG DOOR PRIZE and was handpicked to play Lindy‘s best friend Vivian. She tells us what she feels is the more integral message of FITTING IN.
Amara: “Love yourself. You’re amazing, you’re awesome. You are built exactly the way you need to be built. Fall in love with yourself. I hope that people fall in love with themselves while watching this Film.”
We don’t need an introduction to the brilliant Hampshire, who continues to build her body of work as a national treasure, including beloved series SCHITT’S CREEK. She plays Lindy‘s mother Rita, who is coping herself with having had Breast Cancer and also being a single mom. Hampshire walks us through getting involved with FITTING IN.
Hampshire: “I read the Script, and I know it was Molly‘s personal story and I just really connected with the humour in it. To tell a story like this that is about a traumatic diagnosis that she gets, but it got me at this one point where Lindy‘s looking for people who have this condition and she the only person she could find is Hitler‘s wife, and I was like, this is the tone that I respond to.”.
Ziegler comes back to Toronto, after promoting Toronto-made MY OLD ASS at Sundance just last week. She loves this City and tells us the most revelatory thing she learned while researching her role as Lindy.
Ziegler: “I love Toronto, I feel like an honourary Canadian because I’ve now filmed two back to back films here, which has been incredible. And I went to Canada’s Wonderland, which is really fun!!”.
“It’s so hard to be a woman in general, and I think learning so much more from the MRKH community, I just feel so deeply for everyone. It’s so hard just to be a teenager, to be a human and on top of it, feeling shame and guilt over something that you can’t change. And through doing so much research with so many people and Molly, you learn that your flaws are what makes you so beautiful. I think having a difference is beautiful and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to be a part of this experience. It’s very chilling and moving.”.
Complete chats here:
Elevation Pictures release FITTING IN on February 2, 2024.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)
Elevation Pictures have announced their upcoming 2024 release slate with multiple titles which recently have done the Festival Circuit.
ORIGIN
Opens in theatres on January 19
Directed by: Ava DuVernay
Starring: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald,
Niecy Nash-Betts, Nick Offerman, Blair Underwood.
I.S.S.
Opens in theatres on January 19
Directed by: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, Pilou Asbaek,
John Gallagher Jr., Costa Ronin, Masha Mashkova
Tensions flare in the near future aboard the International Space Station as a worldwide conflict breaks out on Earth. Reeling from this, the astronauts receive orders from the ground: take control of the station by any means necessary. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite, working with Nick Shafir’s Blacklist script, brings together a stellar cast that includes Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, Pilou Asbaek, John Gallagher Jr., Costa Ronin, and Masha Mashkova, in a high-stakes thriller set entirely in the confines of the I.S.S. as astronauts are called to duty in fateful and terrifying ways.
FITTING IN
Opens in theatres on February 2
Directed by: Molly McGlynn
Starring: Maddie Ziegler, Emily Hampshire, Djouliet Amara,
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Ki Griffin
A joyful, comedic drama, from writer/director Molly McGlynn, Fitting In is a coming-of-age story that follows 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) who is unexpectedly diagnosed with a reproductive condition, MRKH syndrome. The diagnosis upends her plans to have sex, her presumptions about womanhood and sexuality, her relationship with her mother, and most importantly, herself.
FLOAT
Opens in theatres on February 9
Directed by: Sherren Lee
Starring: Robbie Amell, Sarah Desjardins, Andrea Bang
A city girl rejected by her parents makes an impulsive decision to spend the summer at a small beach town with her estranged aunt. She nearly drowns and is rescued by the lifeguard next door, who offers to teach her how to swim.
PERFECT DAYS
In theatres on February 16
Directed by: Wim Wenders
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Tokio Emoto, Arisa Nakano, Aoi Yamada,
Yumi Aso, Sayuri Ishikawa, Tomokazu Miura, Min Tanaka
Hirayama (Kôji Yakusho) is a cleaner of public toilets in Tokyo. He lives alone in a small house full of plants, his days going by according to quiet rhythms that never seem to change. His is a neighborhood of tiny cafés frequented by the same people, of bookshops that sell works by Patricia Highsmith or young, contemporary Japanese writers.
Hirayama speaks very little, but he has a great passion for music, books, and the trees he loves to photograph. As he drives to work in his minivan, fully equipped with his cleaning gear, The Rolling Stones, Patti Smith, or Lou Reed ring in ageless, husky hums from a tape player.
FRENCH GIRL
Opens in theatres on February 23
Directed by: James A. Woods & Nicolas Wright
Starring: Zach Braff, Vanessa Hudgens, William Fichtner
Follows Gordon Kinski, a high school teacher from Brooklyn, who goes with his girlfriend and chef Sophie Tremblay to her hometown of Quebec City where she is testing for the Michelin 3-star restaurant of super-chef Ruby Collins.
500 DAYS IN THE WILD
Opens in theatres on March 1
Directed by: Dianne Whelan
Starring: Dianne Whelan
Follows Dianne Whelan that after disappointed with the state of the world did a solo self-recorded journey travelling across Canada.
IRENA’S VOW
Opens in theatres on March 15
Directed by: Louise Archambault
Starring: Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn, and Maciek Nawrocki
Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. 19-year old Irena Gut is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help twelve Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant’s house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
After premiering to raves at TIFF ’23, we get a new release date for Elevation Pictures’ FITTING IN: February 2, 2024.
Synopsis:
A joyful, comedic drama, from writer/director Molly McGlynn, Fitting In is a coming-of-age story that follows 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) who is unexpectedly diagnosed with a reproductive condition, MRKH syndrome. The diagnosis upends her plans to have sex, her presumptions about womanhood and sexuality, her relationship with her mother, and most importantly, herself.
A semi-autobiographical feature written and directed by Molly McGlynn (Mary Goes Round), Fitting In stars Maddie Ziegler, Emily Hampshire, Djouliet Amara, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, and Ki Griffin. The feature film is produced by Jennifer Weiss and Liane Cunje, and executive produced by Janelle Monae, Mikael Moore, Molly McGlynn, Brenden Brady, Adrian Love, Laurie May, James Huntsman, and Lisa Gutberlet.
Directed by Molly McGlynn
Screenplay by Molly McGlynn
Starring: Maddie Ziegler, Emily Hampshire, Djouliet Amara, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Ki Griffin
By Amanda Gilmore
Writer-Director Molly McGlynn delivers an honest, touching and hopeful film about gender, sexuality and what makes a woman a woman.
High schooler Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) is planning on losing her virginity to her boyfriend Adam (D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai). During a doctor’s visit to get birth control, she learns she has a rare reproductive condition called Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. This means she doesn’t have a uterus or cervix and has a shortened vaginal canal. As she navigates her diagnosis, her relationships become challenged with everyone, but especially herself.
Fitting In is a raw coming-of-age story. Lindy is full of angst and anxiety all while being genuinely funny. It’s clear from the jump that Lindy wants to have children. This diagnosis is life-altering for her, sending her into crisis. As she navigates what this diagnosis might mean for her future, McGlynn questions sexuality and what makes a woman a woman while never becoming preachy. Ziegler solidifies her talent and range in this nuanced performance.
One of the highlights is the bond explored between mother and daughter. Lindy’s single mother Rita (a fantastic Emily Hampshire) has recently undergone a mastectomy and is still reconciling with this change to her body. Possibly the most beautiful narrative in Fitting In is having two women make steps to accept and embrace the uncontrollable within their bodies. It’s a joy watching Ziegler and Hampshire ebb and flow in an authentic mother-daughter relationship.
Fitting In screens at TIFF ’23:
Saturday, September 9 at 8 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Tuesday, September 12 at 11:30 AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox
As the inaugural Sloan Science on Film Showcase selection, Fitting In tells a coming-of-age story shaped by medical science. Following the September 12 screening, the Sloan Science on Film Showcase will feature a Q&A with writer-director Molly McGlynn and an expert in reproductive health.
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