SBIFF: “SUZE” writer/directors Linsey Stewart & Dane Clark Redefine a Coming-of-Age Comedy

While traditionally a “coming-of-age” comedy takes place during adolescence, the filmmakers behind SUZE have proposed something entirely new, but still incredibly resonant. In their comedy, selected to premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), they propose that coming-of-age moments never stop happening to us.

SUZE tells the story of a single mom (Michaela Watkins) who loses her purpose when her only daughter leaves for college. Suze also gets stuck taking care of her daughter’s heartbroken ex-boyfriend (Charlie Gillespie), who she can’t stand. On her journey of self-discovery, Suze discovers what living purposefully really looks like, while making an unlikely bond along the way.

“We wanted to pay tribute to the people who pull us out of the darkness…[who ]help us get out of these really tough times,” shares Linsey Stewart, one half of the creative duo behind SUZE. Dane Clark, her other half in both filmmaking in marriage added, “That’s definitely our intention with this story and mostly everything we do. How do you entertain people and bring them joy and hope?”

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR SUZE

When discussing the genesis of the film and the colorful characters that inhabit it, Stewart explained,

“We always knew that we wanted to center it around this fifty-year-old woman who was obsessed with her daughter and she was going through menopause…what if this person who has been interfering with the monopoly she wants on her daughter is this boyfriend she can’t stand? And then it just kind of came alive in our head.”

SUZE puts a fresh spin on the classic buddy comedy with a middle-aged female protagonist and teenaged leading man,. It’s sadly still an uncommon dynamic to have a film centered on a woman in her fifties and the unique challenges she faces at that age. “Nick Hornby said ‘If you want a great actor, write a great role for a woman over fifty.’ Because there is a plethora of outstanding talent out there,” said Stewart, who made her feature directorial co-debut with SUZE. “But there’s a moment where suddenly, you hit a wall. I think it’s what we think that wall is, and then beyond, where it gets really interesting.”

Clark clarified why audiences will be able to relate to the film even if they’re not perimenopausal women, “You usually just think it’s [a coming-of-age story] is about teenagers. But no, it’s every time you go through a different stage in your life. And we were interested in this one, of a woman coming to a point where she can’t have kids anymore while she’s losing her only child off to university. And then, gaining the one that she doesn’t want.”

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH DANE AND LINSEY

The pair, who first met at the Canadian Film Centre in Toronto, admit to the difficulty of balancing their professional and personal relationships. However, they refer to one another as each other’s “perfect collaborator” and the process of discovering their rapport as “alchemy”. Whatever they have created together and had to weather to do so, there’s no doubt that it’s worthwhile, since SUZE had its U.S. premiere at SBIFF. 

When asked what they hope audiences take away from the film, Clark’s aspiration was simple, but profound. “At the end of the day, I hope that they’re just touched by their [Suze & Gage’s] relationship.” Stewart hopes that viewers will reflect on who their “Suzes” have been, the people who get us out of our rough spots. “And some laughs,” she added with a grin.

SUZE is out in theaters this Friday, February 23rd.

Our interview with Dane and Linsey was filmed at Kiva CoWork Downtown Santa Barbara. Learn more about Kiva’s coworking spaces in Santa Barbara and how to become a member on their WEBSITE.

 

 

More About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization. Over the past 35 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States. The festival attracts 100,000 attendees and offers 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and panels. It strives to fulfill their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire people through the power of film. We celebrate the art of cinema and provide impactful educational experiences for our local, national and global communities.