TORONTO - July Talk, the Juno-winning band from Toronto, is known for their dynamic sound that combines Peter Dreimanis's raspy growl with Leah Fay Goldstein's sweet tones. This contrast creates an unpredictable energy during their live performances. Recently, the couple has ventured into acting, co-starring in a romantic comedy titled "Middle Life," marking a new chapter in their artistic collaboration.
Goldstein stated, "It felt like the right time to collaborate in a different way other than music, because we've been making records together for a long time, over a decade now." The timing was particularly poignant as the pair has recently welcomed their first child and is expecting their second. The film portrays Goldstein as a wedding planner whose structured life is disrupted after a roadside accident leads her to meet a plumber, played by Dreimanis.
Writer-director Pavan Moondi takes inspiration from classic 1980s romantic comedies such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Crossing Delancey" while also offering a fresh perspective on the concept of midlife crises. Dreimanis views the film as a celebration of possibilities rather than a descent into crisis. He argues that middle life is not only confined to age 50 but can occur in one's 30s or 40s, a time when many are starting families.
Dreimanis elaborated on this idea, stating, "There's this idea that the decisions you make once you have children sort of petrify your life and freeze your decision-making." He feels that contemporary art is increasingly challenging this notion, emphasizing that having children does not diminish one's ability to evolve creatively. He cited Miranda July's upcoming novel "All Fours," which addresses themes of perimenopause, as an example of this creative exploration beyond traditional expectations.
In "Sinners," a project Dreimanis worked on before "Middle Life," he played a singing vampire, which helped him rediscover his creative passions. He noted that the collaborative environment of "Sinners," influenced by director Ryan Coogler's friendship with his team, shifted his perspective on filmmaking. "It seemed like all of their skills had been honed through collaboration,” he commented. This experience reminded him of the value of community in creative endeavors, especially when the film industry often diminishes the perceived worth of long-term projects.
After working apart for a significant period, Dreimanis returned to Toronto eager to create something with Goldstein. "It was alienating as core collaborators; 'Sinners' was the first time where we had a real drastic shift in the symmetry of our working relationship," he reflected. Both noted that while the film was a new venture, it felt seamlessly familiar due to their extensive experience as performers sharing stages together.
They have chosen to roll out "Middle Life" like a touring concert, starting with a Toronto premiere and followed by screenings across Canada, complete with Q&A sessions. There has been a notable trend of musicians transitioning into film, with names like Teyana Taylor and Alana Haim making headlines. For Dreimanis, this crossover is both unsurprising and essential. He remarked, "You're always making your best work when you're inspired by something else, you know? Something that's not as familiar to you." He concluded that exploring other creative avenues can reinvigorate one's passion for music and performance.
