Welcome to a special FlixChatter post highlighting a Minnesota-connected film, written by an MN-based actress, Marisa Coughlan. I had the privilege of speaking to Marisa about the film, so scroll down to read my interview below my review.

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FlixChatter Review

When you think of a coming-of-age film, you probably picture a journey that teens or young’uns go through, dealing with the ups and downs of growing up that lead to maturity. As a lifelong learner, I believe the term can also mean achieving personal and psychological growth or a ‘reset’ of expectations, which can happen at any stage in life.

Written by Marisa Coughlan and directed by J. Mills Goodloe, Blue Eyed Girl tells a coming-of-age story aimed at those in their forties. The movie follows Jane, a married actress living in LA with two kids, who returns to Minnesota to care for her sick father (Beau Bridges). She’s compelled to reassess her life and ponder what might have been after bumping into her old flame Harrison (Sam Trammell). Coughlan uses her own life experiences to delve into that stage when we’re not quite old yet, but have moved past being young. She, too, is an actress who recently moved back to MN with her husband and four kids, so the story feels authentic and personal.

When she arrives in MN, her sharp-tongued, witty older sister Alex (Eliza Coupe) picks her up and takes her to her house, well, more like a mansion, tucked away by the waterfront in an affluent town of Wayzata. Alex is on her third marriage, and her outfits are giving ‘rich mom energy’ though she has no kids. She quips that her current husband is extremely wealthy, but he’s nowhere to be found, and the house certainly doesn’t feel lived in.

Meanwhile, the youngest sister, Cici (Bridey Elliott), is the reigning queen of a local Renaissance Festival, and she takes that role very seriously. Cici even shows up at the hospital to visit their dad dressed in her royal garb. I enjoy watching the sisterly connection that feels both genuine and funny. I don’t have a sister myself, but I can imagine that even the closest siblings don’t always see eye to eye, hence all the playful bickering.

The film can sometimes come off as frivolous and even a bit goofy, especially during the chaotic ‘coronation’ scene where Cici refuses to relinquish her crown. However, some unexpectedly weighty moments pop up that put their relationship to the test. The bond between the father and daughter is sweet and touching; Jane is definitely her father’s daughter, and she shows him more affection than her two sisters do. One of the most surprisingly touching moments features Jane’s dad’s nurse, Calley (LisaGay Hamilton), who comes out of her shell as they find a connection while coping with a profound loss together.

Now, with dramas like this, the plot can feel somewhat predictable. I could anticipate the plot’s direction before it unfolded, and the interactions between Coughlan and Trammell didn’t quite have the spark to make the romantic moments more impactful. Part of the issue is that Harrison instantly comes off a bit arrogant and corny, which doesn’t really make you want to cheer for their reunion.

In contrast, Freddy Rodriguez, who plays Jane’s husband Cal, is instantly charming, and there’s a natural, friendly chemistry between them. Coughlan really stands out as the lead; she’s charismatic and relatable, managing to express Jane’s inner struggles while remaining composed and pleasant. The story hints at spirituality, as Jane finds an open Bible on her dad’s side table, alas, it never explicitly addresses the character’s faith.

Filmed in the Twin Cities, Blue Eyed Girl is clearly a love letter to the place Marisa calls home. The autumn landscape is gorgeous, with DP Andrew Russo showcasing the beautiful fall season in Minnesota. It’s also fun seeing familiar faces in bit parts and cameo roles, including my friend Bill Cooper, acting coach and former Twin Cities Film Fest managing director, who’s now a filmmaker.

At 1 hour and 37 minutes, the film maintains a good pace and doesn’t drag on. Blue Eyed Girl is a delightful dramedy that explores themes of marriage, midlife issues, pursuing one’s dreams, and ultimately, it’s about coming to terms with your true self versus the person you envisioned becoming.

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Q&A with writer/star Marisa Coughlan

(All BTS photos courtesy of Miss Coughlan)

1. In the press kit, it says that you drew from personal experience for this coming-of-age story. How long ago did you write it, and what inspired you to do so?

I started writing the movie a few years after we moved back to MN. It was strange to be back in the place I grew up, but as an adult. Memories I shared with my dad, who I had lost twenty years ago…memories of being young and idealistic…I started putting it all on paper. I got to have conversations with my dad again, in a weird way, which was an amazing way to process all the things I was going through.

2. The original title, ‘Days When Rain Came,’ sounds quite poetic. What’s the reason for the title change? 

I agree! I loved that title, but the distribution company felt it was too long, hard to remember, so we went through a lot of options and landed on this. As you know, there is a Brown Eyed Girl theme in the movie:)

3. The scenery in Wayzata during the Fall season is gorgeous. Did you and/or the director specifically want an Autumn vibe? 

Once we decided we were making the film, we picked a start date that was the earliest we could possibly start. We realized it would be fall and scheduled around the foliage. We knew we had to get the exterior shots before the leaves disappeared, so we had some added pressure. A ticking clock on gorgeous scenery, which of course, the LA folks that were in town to shoot did not understand!

4. The sisterhood between Jane, Alex, and Cici feels authentic and funny. Can you share about the casting process for those key roles?

We got really lucky with casting. Eliza Coupe has been a standout in virtually everything she’s ever done, and she doesn’t disappoint here. I was ecstatic that she was willing to come to MN and play Alex. Bridey came on later and was such a great addition. The three of us had a similar dynamic off camera as we did on – it was a love fest.

5. How was working with the venerable Beau Bridges? Did you write the role of Jane’s father specifically for him? 

I could not love Beau more. I didn’t write it for him, but he was the perfect person to play Jack. I actually went through a long list of potential actors, and Beau was by far my favorite for the role. I wrote him a letter, which I sent with our offer, and I think he said yes the next day.

Having Beau on board helped us attract other name actors. I think people pay more attention when they know that someone of that caliber has signed on.

6. Can you describe one of your favorite moments on set while working on this film? 

My kids played the kids in the movie, so that was a lot of fun for me. I also really loved working with Eliza – we laughed nonstop on camera and off. She is hilarious, and our chemistry came very naturally.

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Massive thank you to Marisa for speaking with me about her lovely film!
Check out her movie in theaters (if you’re in the Minneapolis area) or on streaming, info below:

Blue Eyed Girl will have a limited theatrical release in Minnesota – it’ll be showing at The Edina Mann Theatre and Mann Plymouth Grand 15 on November 14 (at 7 PM) and November 15 (at NOON and 3 PM).

It will arrive on Digital on Friday, Nov 21 anywhere you rent/buy movies.

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