SUZE
When her only daughter goes off to university, an empty nest mother gets stuck taking care of her daughter's heart-broken ex-boyfriend, who she can't stand.
Starring: Michaela Watkins, Charlie Gillespie, Sara Waisglass, Rainbow Sun Francks
Produced by: Wildling Pictures and Kristy Neville.
Written & Directed by: Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark
Distributed by Level Film, Giant Pictures and Tribeca Films.
NOW AVAILABLE ON VOD IN CANADA AND THE US
KIND REVIEWS
Charlie Gillespie is a revelation in Linsey Stewart and Dane Clark’s warm empty-nester dramedy, which shares the spirit of a great Nicole Holofcener indie.
Tomris Laffly - Variety (Critics Pick!)
“The directing and screenwriting team of Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart created a perfect vehicle for stage and screen actress and improv comic Michaela Watkins, playing an empty-nest single mother who loses one parental responsibility only to be saddled with another. It is a combination comedy of manners and a personal growth story, as touching as it is genuinely funny.”
Monica Reid - Far Out Magazine
“Suze” is bittersweet, funny and sometimes sad but always heartfelt and honest, everything we hope for from an indie.”
With tender performances and sparkling writing, Suze is a smart, investing, feel-good film with rich themes that will remind you about the power of connection and compassion.
Stephanie Malone - Morbidly Beautiful
“What makes this film a rare gem, and worthy of Watkins's talents, is that it's consistently funny, doesn't reduce its leads to stereotypes or tropes and casts Suze as a woman we would actually want to hang out with rather than pity for going through a tough life stage.”
“Suze brings something new to the premise of an unlikely friendship, capturing the human experience by residing in a tonal sweet spot between joy and sadness. Screenwriters Linsey Stewart and Dane Clark construct a charming story through the unlikely balance of emotion and comedy. To put it simply, Suze reminds audiences there is always a reason to laugh, even if sometimes they want to cry.”
Andrew Fukui - Geek Vibes Nation
“Watkins and Gillespie, ever the odd couple, articulate the open-hearted vulnerability of their characters with ease and charm; together, their natural chemistry lends a great degree of authenticity to the film and its message of self-worth.”
Watkins is outstanding, joined by co-star Charlie Gillespie, with the pair gracefully realizing the delicate ways of “Suze,” which does very well staying grounded and hitting periodic beats of hilarity.
“The combination of Michaela Watkins and Charlie Gillespie elevates Suze from a great movie to a truly unforgettable one that had me reaching for the tissues as it neared the finish line. Both give career-best, devastating turns that leave the viewer craving more time to spend with Suze and Gage.”
“Suze hits the perfect sweet spot between being lively and acknowledging the harsher, crushing emotions.”
- Debanjar Dhar - High On Films
“A shamelessly feel-good movie buoyed by dynamic, lived-in performances, Suze offers emotional rewards far grander than its simple story might suggest. And it’s an honest pleasure to watch.”
“SUZE is the Odd Couple the 2020s Have Been Waiting For”
- Shaun Lang - Hollywood North Magazine
“The key to “Suze’s” success is the way it presents a platonic relationship based on mutual respect and how they give one another a reason to embrace the battle scars that formed them, and move ahead toward happiness.”
“Suze” is more than a film; it’s a heartwarming exploration of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. It also highlights the importance of self-acceptance, self-worth, and mutual affection. The film’s conclusion is profoundly satisfying, evidence of the filmmakers’ intention to craft a narrative that resonates beyond the screen, offering lessons in humanity that are both profound and essential.”
- Ulkar Alakbarova - Moviemovesme.com
“Suze is the type of quirky, offbeat and congenial film that’s impossible to hate.”
AWARDS
JURY PRIZE - BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE - BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL - 2024
AUDIENCE AWARD - BEST FEATURE FILM - ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL - 2024
SPECIAL JURY PRIZE FOR SCREENWRITING - ANNAPOLIS FILM FESTIVAL - 2024
CANADIAN NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD WINNER - CALGARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - 2023
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD - BEST CANADIAN FICTION FILM - AVAILABLE LIGHT FILM FESTIVAL - 2024
CANADIAN SCREEN AWARD NOMINATION - PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - CHARLIE GILLESPIE - 2024
WRITERS GUILD OF CANADA NOMINATION - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - 2024