Meg Ryan, the beloved queen of romantic comedies, is making a triumphant return to her roots with the upcoming love story “What Happens Later.” Teaming up with David Duchovny, Ryan stars in and directs this enchanting tale, promising audiences a heartwarming and nostalgic experience.
Based on Steven Dietz’s play “Shooting Star,” “What Happens Later” follows the journey of two former flames, Willa (Meg Ryan) and Bill (David Duchovny). The story unfolds when fate intervenes and their flights get snowed in, forcing them to spend a night in an airport. What follows is a chance encounter that brings back memories of their shared past. Awkward yet endearing, their meet-cute occurs for the second time in their lives, sparking both attraction and annoyance.
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As the night progresses, the two delve into their past, exploring the dreams and aspirations they once shared. The film’s official synopsis captures the essence of their reunion: “Indefinitely delayed, Willa, a magical thinker, and Bill, a catastrophic one, find themselves just as attracted to — and annoyed by — one another as they did decades earlier. But as they unpack the riddle of their mutual past and compare their lives to the dreams they once shared, they begin to wonder if their reunion is mere coincidence, or something more enchanted.”
Meg Ryan’s legacy in the romantic comedy genre is undeniable, with iconic films like “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “Sleepless in Seattle” firmly establishing her as a beloved leading lady. “What Happens Later” not only marks her return to acting but also her sophomore directorial effort. This time, Ryan takes on the added role of co-writer, infusing her unique touch into every aspect of the film.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ryan revealed her inspiration for the film, drawing parallels to the romantic comedies of the ’40s. She shared, “It has a relationship to movies from the ’40s, like ‘Bringing Up Baby,’ in terms of the banter and the rhythm of things and a lot of that era of filmmaking.” Ryan’s desire to use the rom-com genre as a lens to comment on the times is evident in the heartfelt story of “What Happens Later.”
As anticipation builds for the film’s release, audiences can expect a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. “What Happens Later” is slated to hit theaters on October 13th, promising to deliver a magical and enchanting tale of second chances and rediscovering the spark of love. With Meg Ryan at the helm, fans of the rom-com genre are in for a treat that harks back to the golden era of cinematic love stories.
