Meg Ryan, the undisputed queen of romantic comedies known for classics like When Harry Met Sally and You've Got Mail, has graced the silver screen once again in a much-anticipated film, What Happens Later. Fans will be delighted to hear that Ryan not only stars in this fresh rom-com but also dons hats as a co-writer and director, making the project all the more special.
In the newly released trailer, we meet Ryan's character, Willa, a whimsical woman who swears by the magic of serendipity. Enter David Duchovny's character, Bill, a perpetually worried soul and, as it turns out, an ex-flame of Willa.
Fate, or perhaps airport inefficiencies, forces them into an unplanned reunion when both their flights suffer delays. However, this isn't just any airport - mystical events unfold as an omnipresent announcer starts engaging with them.
Over a night that feels longer than usual, Willa and Bill excavate memories of their past relationship, pondering the reasons behind their split, reminiscing about the decades gone by, and reflecting on why they fell head over heels for each other initially.
Ryan's Triumphant Rom-Com Comeback
What Happens Later isn’t just another notch in Ryan's filmography; it's her sophomore directorial venture, her first being Ithaca in 2015. Notably, it’s also her return to the rom-com realm, a space where she has left an indelible mark.
Discussing her newest work, Ryan commented, “This film tweaks the traditional romantic comedy mold. Yes, there’s the timeless 'will they, won’t they?' narrative, but it delves deeper. It explores romance in the golden years, proving love retains its charm regardless of age”.
Ryan draws parallels between What Happens Later and cinematic gems from the 1940s, referencing the witty repartee that movies like Bringing Up Baby were renowned for. Channeling the wisdom of the late Nora Ephron, a stalwart in the rom-com industry, she remarked, “Rom-coms subtly offer commentary on contemporary society.
We’ve incorporated that essence in our movie”. This Bleecker Street production stems from the play Shooting Star by Steven Dietz. The screenplay is a collaborative masterpiece, penned by Dietz, Ryan, and Kirk Lynn.
The wait ends on October 13 when What Happens Later graces theaters. Until then, the trailer promises a delightful cinematic experience.