Exploring the Depths of ‘Miss You, Love You’

The entertainment world often prioritizes franchises and special effects, which can overshadow the influence of great actors paired with a strong script. Such is the case in the new HBO film Miss You, Love You, featuring Oscar-winner Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells. Written and directed by Oscar-winner Jim Rash, this film pulls the focus back to powerful performances and storytelling.

In the movie, Janney portrays Diane, a widow dealing with her husband’s funeral alongside a stranger, Jamie, her estranged son’s personal assistant, played by Rannells. Over a few days, both channel their frustrations in darkly comedic ways. Their interactions reveal that despite differences, they fulfill each other’s needs as they navigate grief.

The story originated from Rash’s personal experiences when his father passed away. At the funeral, Rash’s sister sent her assistant due to work commitments. Rash found this situation intriguing and developed a script that reflected his life experiences.

“I didn’t know him, no one knew him,” Rash shared on Newsweek’s Parting Shot Podcast. “It’s when we’re at our most conflicting. We’re everything, all at once.”

The film is grounded in reality—no CGI, no explosions—just two characters working through grief, resentment, and love in a single house. Rash managed to create a ‘lived-in’ experience that feels authentic.

For Janney, the script had an immediate pull. She had initially encountered an earlier version as a play but was daunted by its demands. However, the screenplay format changed her perspective.

“I was like, oh my God, this is unbelievable,” she recounted to Newsweek. “This would be a real amazing journey to go on, to do this role and go through everything she gets to go through.”

Rannells found the role rare and compelling. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity Rash presented to trust him with such material. The filming took 17 days, and both actors decided to memorize the entire script beforehand, a choice that set the production’s atmosphere. This preparation allowed them to rehearse the film like a play, bringing a level of freedom to their performance.

Both Janney and Rannells have strong theater backgrounds, contributing to the film’s dynamic. Rannells cherished the experience, describing the satisfaction of running lines and rehearsing in this intimate setting.

“We were just in this house and we had one little holding room where we were together,” he expressed. “It was really probably the most satisfying thing I’ve ever gotten to do.”

Janney considers it a highly challenging yet rewarding project. Rash, knowing her capabilities, guided her exploration of Diane’s intense emotions through varied performances. Diane’s challenges come to a head with a simple text message revealing her son’s absence, leading to a confrontation with Jamie, a stranger. Learning more about him brings an understanding that shifts her perspective.

Rannells’ character, Jamie, navigates a delayed personal journey due to caring for his sick parents. His struggles include delayed self-discovery and relational challenges, captured in a nuanced portrayal.

“He’s also like many of us, putting our love towards someone who doesn’t reciprocate that, but yet we grab them and hold on for dear life,” Rash explained.

The film subtly includes Jamie’s queerness as just one part of his complex identity. Rannells appreciated this approach, emphasizing the importance of treating sexuality as a facet rather than the sole focus.

The film succeeds as a dark comedy, balancing humor with the gravity of grief. Rash, skilled in handling emotional narratives, delivers this balance with precision.

“We’re just waiting to literally exhale with some laughter,” Rash noted.

Miss You, Love You premieres on HBO Max on May 29, offering audiences a story where both sorrow and humor coexist, mirroring the genuine aspects of human experiences with loss.