Mouse
With their third collaboration, filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson continue to caress our deepest reserves of humanity and deftly intertwine heartbreak with humor; this time, through a tender portrayal of teen life in turmoil. The duo’s Ghostlight breakout Katherine Mallen Kupferer sensitively plays Minnie, a shy Arkansan braving a crushingly abrupt end to her lifelong best-friendship to the popular, multitalented Callie (Chloe Coleman) at the start of their once hope-filled senior year. Deeply lived-in observations on amity, family, and class glimmer everywhere in this uniquely perceptive coming-of-age tale, from Minnie’s bonds with the two mothers in her life—her own, bighearted veterinarian parent, Barbara (Tara Mallen), and Callie’s orderly and elegant mom, Helen (Sophie Okonedo, delivering another breathtaking performance this year along with Clarissa)—to the analog rhythms of high school before touchscreens and social media swarmed in. Attuned to the mysterious ebbs and flows of grief, Mouse is a gentle stunner. —Tomris Laffly
Director/s
Kelly O’Sullivan
A native of Arkansas, Kelly O’Sullivan graduated from Northwestern University, The School at Steppenwolf. After starting her career as an actor, she moved into screenwriting with Saint Francis (2019), which won the audience award at SXSW. She made her feature directing debut with Ghostlight (2024), co-directing her own screenplay with Alex Thompson. Both Saint Francis and Ghostlight received Film Independent Spirit Awards John Cassavetes Award nominations.
Expected Guests
KELLY O'SULLIVAN: Director
SOPHIE OKONEDO: Actor