Romcom Icon Meg Ryan Returns with Enchanting Film After 25-Year Hiatus
After a 25-year absence from the romcom scene, beloved actress Meg Ryan is making a much-anticipated comeback. Her new film, What Happens Later, directed by Ryan herself, is set to be released on October 13. Distributor Bleecker Street made the announcement on Wednesday, much to the delight of fans eager to see Ryan’s return to the genre that made her a household name.
In What Happens Later, Ryan stars alongside David Duchovny, known for his roles in The X-Files and Californication. The film tells a captivating story reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, where a former couple reunites for the first time after 25 years. Stranded at an unspecified airport due to a snowstorm, the two find themselves alone, accompanied only by the snarky voice of the airport announcer.
The official description of the film states that Willa, played by Ryan, is a whimsical thinker, while Bill, portrayed by Duchovny, is more of a pessimist. Despite their differences, they discover a lingering attraction and annoyance towards each other, reminiscent of their past relationship. As they unravel the mysteries of their shared history and compare their current lives to their once-shared dreams, they question whether their reunion is mere coincidence or something more magical.
Ryan, who is also taking on the role of director for the second time after her 2015 adaptation of The Human Comedy, has expressed her excitement about the film. During an interview, she drew inspiration from romantic comedies of the 1940s, particularly highlighting the banter and rhythm that characterized that era of filmmaking. Ryan further emphasized that romcoms have always been a clever way of commenting on the times, and What Happens Later continues this tradition.
Speaking about her co-star, Ryan praised Duchovny’s performance, saying that although his character is vastly different from himself, he embraced the role wholeheartedly. Ryan felt a personal connection to her own character, Willa, and admired Duchovny’s ability to fully immerse himself in every scene. She commended his humor, intellect, and charisma, which contribute to the on-screen chemistry between their characters.
Meg Ryan’s return to the romcom genre has sparked excitement among fans and critics alike. With her talent for delivering heartfelt and comedic performances, there is no doubt that What Happens Later will charm audiences just like her previous hits such as When Harry Met Sally… and Sleepless in Seattle. As the release date draws near, fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the enchanting journey that Ryan and Duchovny’s characters embark on, making them believe once again in the magic of true love.
