New Fantasy Dramedy "Outside of Cleveland" Explores Nostalgia and Growth

"Outside of Cleveland" is a fantasy dramedy directed by Colin West, featuring a cast that includes Alex Wolff, Jim Gaffigan, Brooklynn Prince, and Sarah Wayne Callies. The film centers on Max, portrayed by Wolff, a thirtysomething songwriter who returns to his hometown of Cleveland to assist his parents in moving out of his childhood home. During this process, he is unexpectedly transported back to his teenage years, where he confronts his past and reconnects with a neighbor he once overlooked. This narrative explores themes of nostalgia, memory, and the complexities of growing up.

Deadline Hollywood

• Colin West: The writer-director, known for his previous collaboration with Gaffigan on "Linoleum," aims to weave a narrative that combines memory, regret, and possibility.

Deadline Hollywood

• Alex Wolff: Known for his roles in "Hereditary" and "Pig," he plays the lead character Max and is recognized for his grounded performance.

Deadline Hollywood

• Jim Gaffigan: A prominent actor and comedian, Gaffigan portrays Max's father and has a diverse slate of upcoming projects, including HBO’s "The Gilded Age."

Deadline Hollywood

• Brooklynn Prince: Gaining recognition from "The Florida Project," she plays a significant role as Max's childhood neighbor.

Deadline Hollywood

• Sarah Wayne Callies: Known for her work in "The Walking Dead," she plays Max's mother.

Deadline Hollywood

"Outside of Cleveland" is produced by Brain Scratch Productions and 1515 Films, with filming taking place in Columbus, Ohio. The production team includes Chad Simpson, Dan Erdman, Drew Johnson, and Heather Francis, among others. The film aims to present a multilayered story that resonates emotionally with audiences.

Deadline Hollywood

Colin West expressed his vision for the film, stating, “Outside of Cleveland is a story that attempts to thread together the lives we live with the lives we could have lived, weaving memory, regret, and possibility into a single emotional narrative.” This sentiment underscores the film's exploration of how past experiences shape present realities.

Deadline Hollywood

While the film has garnered interest, there is a potential critique regarding the reliance on nostalgia as a narrative device. Some may argue that such themes can lead to a lack of originality in storytelling, as they often revisit familiar tropes of time travel and self-discovery.

Deadline Hollywood

"Outside of Cleveland" is set to be released in theaters, with anticipation surrounding its reception given the strong performances and unique premise. The film's exploration of nostalgia and personal growth may resonate with audiences seeking relatable and emotional narratives.

Deadline Hollywood

• “Outside of Cleveland is a story that attempts to thread together the lives we live with the lives we could have lived, weaving memory, regret, and possibility into a single emotional narrative,” — Colin West, Director

Deadline Hollywood

• “Our crew’s boundless creativity and Alex Wolff’s grounded performance made it possible to tell this multilayered, magical story.” — Colin West, Director

Deadline Hollywood

This film promises to be a reflective journey that invites viewers to consider their own pasts while navigating the complexities of adulthood.

Deadline Hollywood