New film, ‘Mouse,’ has lots of local ties

The opening scene of “Mouse,” a new film exploring the complexities of grief and loss, unfolds with a vibrant energy, a group of high school girls claiming each other as “best friends.” This initial burst of life is quickly shadowed by a tragic car accident, setting the stage for a deeply moving story that resonates with both humor and sensitivity. The film, written by Kelly O’Sullivan and directed by O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, is now making waves, particularly due to its strong ties to Evanston, where the writing-directing duo call home. The film's premiere and subsequent festival appearances are drawing attention not only to the quality of the storytelling but also to the close-knit community that brought it to life.

What Happened

“Mouse” centers on the aftermath of a devastating loss within a close-knit high school community. Callie Bell, a popular senior, dies unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through her family, friends, and the entire school. The film masterfully navigates the raw emotions of grief—sadness, confusion, anger—experienced by Callie's bereaved mother, Helen Bell (played by Sophie Okonedo), her best friend, Minnie Dunn (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), and their theater classmates. The narrative unfolds over the course of a school year, observing how these individuals grapple with their loss and find ways to move forward. The story, initially inspired by a personal tragedy—a friend of O’Sullivan’s who died in a car accident the summer before their senior year—is set in 2002 and filmed in North Little Rock, Arkansas, despite its Evanston creative roots. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 13 and has since garnered widespread critical acclaim, currently holding a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

A crucial element of the film’s success lies in its nuanced portrayal of its characters. The filmmakers intentionally avoided simplistic narratives, opting instead to present flawed and complex individuals struggling with genuine emotions. As Alex Thompson explained, “What I like about the film is that we’re not saying Barbara isn’t irresponsible. We’re saying she’s also a good mother.” This commitment to portraying humanity in all its messy glory allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding. The film's dedication to authentic character development is evident in the decision to restrict Katherine Mallen Kupferer's makeup use during filming, a choice that she now credits with contributing to her portrayal of Minnie’s authenticity.

The creative partnership between O’Sullivan and Thompson is a cornerstone of the film’s success. They have collaborated on previous projects, including the indie film “Ghostlight” (2020) and the film “Saint Frances” (2019), demonstrating a consistent ability to create compelling and emotionally resonant stories. Their collaborative process extends beyond the filmmaking itself; their real-life son, Milo, appears in “Mouse,” and O’Sullivan’s parents are uncredited extras, solidifying the film’s status as a true family affair. The couple met when O’Sullivan hired Thompson to produce a sizzle reel for her, marking the beginning of a fruitful professional and personal relationship.

Community Reaction

The film's journey has been deeply intertwined with personal tragedy, adding another layer of poignancy to its narrative. Approximately two and a half weeks into filming, O’Sullivan’s mother, Eileen, unexpectedly passed away from a stroke. The loss deeply impacted the entire cast and crew, who had grown close during production. In a remarkable display of solidarity, the cast members—Mallen, Kupferer, Okonedo, Pierce, and Coleman—took turns caring for Milo while O’Sullivan and Thompson grieved. Mallen recalled a poignant moment during a night shoot when Kelly returned home exhausted, and the group stepped in to watch Milo. This shared experience strengthened their bond and ultimately contributed to the film’s emotional depth.

O’Sullivan, speaking about the impact of her mother's death on the film, shared, “What it did was show me the lines that I had written in a hypothetical way were so true.” She explained that certain lines, initially conceived as fictional dialogue, took on a profound new meaning in light of her personal loss. The film is dedicated to her mother’s memory, and O’Sullivan believes that the audience can “actually feel it in ways that I can’t quite articulate.” This raw emotional honesty is a testament to the power of art to confront and process grief.

The film's success has brought widespread recognition to the Evanston-based creative team, leading to numerous press interviews and festival appearances. O’Sullivan expressed a mix of gratitude and exhaustion, noting that “I feel like a raw nerve… I’m getting lots of questions about my friend and my mom while we’re trying to parent.” Despite the demanding schedule, she remains deeply appreciative of the film’s reception and the connections it has fostered.

Local Talent Shines

The film's production also highlights the talent within the Evanston community. Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who delivers a breakout performance as Minnie Dunn, is a graduate of Evanston Township High School (ETHS). Her mother, Tara Mallen, also appears in the film as Minnie’s mother, Barbara Dunn. Furthermore, Mallen serves as the founder and artistic director of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble), a Chicago-based theater company located at 5775 N. Ridge Ave. The film’s connection to Evanston extends beyond the creative team, demonstrating the city’s vibrant arts scene and its ability to nurture and showcase local talent.

What's Next

Katherine Mallen Kupferer is currently preparing for her role in “John Proctor is the Villain” at the Goodman Theatre (Goodman Theatre), where she will begin rehearsals on December 28th. Following graduation from ETHS in 2026, she took a gap year to pursue acting opportunities, including filming another feature film and a short series. She plans to attend The New School in New York next year. Alex Thompson recently completed a film shot in Evanston, and both O’Sullivan and Thompson continue to write and develop new projects, balancing their creative endeavors with the demands of parenthood.

“Being in Evanston for the last year has been kind of a respite, like a breath, like an exhale from everything,” O’Sullivan reflected, highlighting the importance of community and stability in her life. The couple's commitment to their family and their craft is evident in their ongoing collaborations and their dedication to creating meaningful and impactful stories. Their film “Mouse” serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of human connection, the importance of family, and the transformative power of art.

Emily's Take

Watching the story of “Mouse” unfold, I’m struck by how deeply personal and universal it is at once. The tragedy that inspired the film—the loss of a young life—is heartbreaking, but the film’s exploration of grief, resilience, and the enduring bonds of friendship speaks to something fundamental within us all. As a community, we value stability and commitment, and the film’s portrayal of families navigating profound loss underscores the importance of those values. It’s a testament to the power of authentic connection – the way a group of friends rallied around Kelly O’Sullivan and her family during a time of unimaginable grief – that truly highlights the beauty of human compassion.

The film's success, and the outpouring of support for the creative team, also speaks to the vibrancy of Evanston’s arts scene. It’s encouraging to see local talent recognized on a national stage, and it inspires hope for the future of artistic expression in our community. While the film deals with heavy themes, it ultimately offers a message of hope and healing, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found. I’m left wondering what other stories are waiting to be told from within our own neighborhoods, and what role we can play in supporting the artists who bring those stories to life.

The film’s dedication to portraying complex characters and avoiding easy answers is particularly commendable. It’s a reminder that life is rarely black and white, and that true understanding comes from embracing the messiness of human experience. I believe “Mouse” will resonate deeply with audiences, sparking conversations about grief, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. It's a film that challenges us to confront our own vulnerabilities and to appreciate the preciousness of life.

The film’s journey, from a personal tragedy to a critically acclaimed release, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, art can provide solace, healing, and a sense of shared humanity. I hope that “Mouse” inspires others to embrace their own stories, to support local artists, and to cherish the bonds that connect us all.

The limited theatrical release of “Mouse” began November 6th. For showtimes and locations, visit Fandango.