Izzy Roland’s indie film *D(e)ad* is genuinely a family venture. Roland, an actress and comedian recognized for her performances in Dropout and *The Sex Lives of College Girls*, crafted *D(e)ad* from a concept proposed by her mother, Claudia Lonow. Lonow, who appeared in *Knots Landing* and served as the showrunner for series like Showtime’s *Rude Awakening*, directed the film. The mother-daughter pair is joined on screen by Roland’s grandparents, Mark Lonow and JoAnne Astrow; her stepfather, Jonathan Schmock; and her husband, Brennan Lee Mulligan.
The familial motif runs deep in the narrative of *D(e)ad*. Roland plays Tillie, a young woman navigating a complicated relationship with her father, Daniel (Craig Bierko). Following Daniel’s sudden demise, his specter manifests in the mirrors of his relatives, with the exception of Tillie. The film offers an endearing portrayal of a dysfunctional family and their distinctive approaches to dealing with loss.
In a Say More conversation with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, Roland elaborated on her collaborative process with her mother, starting with Lonow’s original concept. “This was originally a concept for a TV series about a mother whose spouse passes away and haunts her through mirrors. She titled it *My Crappy Soulmate*,” Roland recounted. “I thought it was an intriguing idea, and we have a dynamic where she could say, ‘Yeah, sure, write it.'”
Collaborating with family and friends proved fulfilling for Roland, coinciding with her standard creative approach. “I am fortunate to be friends with the most talented individuals in the world, so I feel quite at ease,” Roland mentioned. “It’s not without its challenges, but it’s a space I enjoy.”
Check out the entire Say More video to discover more about Roland’s journey in writing and filming *D(e)ad*, her decision to pursue independent film production, and the Real Housewives taglines for each character in *D(e)ad*.
A schedule of upcoming *D(e)ad* screenings can be found on the film’s website, where you can also request a showing in your area. *D(e)ad* will additionally be screened at the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Los Angeles Alamo Drafthouse venues from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20.