Local Dark comedy ‘Relatively normal’ to Premiere at Santa Barbara international Film Festival
A poignant and darkly humorous exploration of family life under pandemic lockdown, “Relatively Normal,†is set to make its world premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) this week, offering a uniquely local viewpoint on a universal experience.
The film, written and directed by Santa Barbara resident Amy Wendel and produced by locals Jill Levinson and Allison Chase Coleman, centers on teenager Hannah Glass as she navigates the challenges of isolation with her family, discovering that the greatest obstacles may lie within the walls of home.
Leading the cast is Chloe Coleman, known for her roles in “My Spy,†“Dungeons & Dragons,†and “Avatar: The Way of Water,†who also takes on the role of executive producer for the first time. “The film is about a young woman who has to be in lockdown with her family during COVID,†Wendel explained, adding with a wry smile, “She knows she’ll survive COVID, but will she survive her crazy family?â€
Wendel’s inspiration for the script stemmed from observing the impact of the pandemic on teenagers, notably their feelings of loneliness and the disruption of crucial formative experiences. As a mother of three sons,she felt a deep empathy for their struggles. The project initially took shape as a narrative podcast, a speedy way to bring the story to life, but Wendel’s passion for the visual medium ultimately steered it toward the screen. “Film has always spoken to me,†she said. “There’s something powerful about telling a story in an hour and a half.â€
Levinson, a veteran of collaborations with industry giants like Industrial Light & Magic and LucasFilm, brought in Allison Chase Coleman, a multiple Emmy award-winning producer and director with over 30 years of experience. Their combined expertise proved pivotal. According to Coleman, “It was really Jill’s drive to put us all together and her determination to spearhead this project that made it happen. We had Amy’s creative story, and onc we got the commitment from Chloe Coleman everything just crystallized.â€
Coleman’s performance is described as bringing both depth and vulnerability to the role, demanding she carry the emotional weight of nearly every scene. The production team initially considered Los Angeles as a filming location, but ultimately chose Santa Barbara for its accessibility, quiet streets, and diverse neighborhoods, offering the speed, control, and community support they needed. “there’s just so much in Santa Barbara that made this film possible,†Levinson noted,highlighting the local talent pool and a central Montecito location that served as the production’s “home base.â€
The film’s remarkably swift production schedule saw it shot in just 16 days, followed by approximately three months of editing. While casting extended beyond Santa Barbara, several key roles were filled by local actors, including pamela Dillman and Troy Blendell as Hannah’s parents – described by Levinson as “major gets.†Grant culling, in his film debut, portrays Hannah’s fast-talking brother, Gabe, a role that required a unique comedic timing. Comedy icon Cheri Steinkellner, celebrated for her work on “teacher’s Pet†and “Cheers,†plays the grandmother, Mimi, with numerous other Santa Barbara residents appearing in background scenes.The film’s soundtrack features the music of local singer-songwriter Emi Grace.
A distinctive element of “Relatively Normal†is the inclusion of art interludes created by teenagers during the pandemic, inspired by a feature in The New York Times on teen life during that period. these pieces, Wendel explained, allow the film to “bring the outer COVID world into the film without it being overt,†broadening the narrative beyond a single family.
Despite its comedic elements, the film aims to resonate emotionally and provoke reflection. Wendel hopes viewers will connect with a character or moment that stays with them long after the credits roll, exploring themes of family dysfunction, dialog challenges, finding grace, and a critical moment of character testing.
For the filmmakers, debuting at SBIFF holds particular significance. “We are thrilled to premiere this film in our hometown and so excited to share this with the community who gave us so much support,†Levinson stated.
“Relatively Normal†will screen on Friday, February 6th, at 12 p.m.at the Riviera Theater, on February 7th at 9:20 a.m.at the SBIFF film Center, and on February 9th at 11:20 a.m. at the SBIFF film center. For more facts and to purchase tickets, visit https://sbiff.org/.
