Alex Borstein, the Emmy-winning actress known for her role as Susie Myerson in Amazon's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel', is set to star in a new family dramedy titled 'Turn the Lights Back On'. This film, written and directed by Dave Pantano, is a poignant exploration of family dynamics during the challenging times of the COVID-19 era. The movie is inspired by real-life experiences, mirroring the struggles many families endured during the pandemic.
In 'Turn the Lights Back On', Borstein portrays Emma, a teacher grappling with the challenges of perimenopause, family responsibilities, and the difficult decision to place her aging mother in assisted living. As the world around her begins to shut down, Emma's siblings' old wounds resurface, leading to a complex web of emotions, including guilt, grief, and the unraveling of long-held family dynamics. The film promises to be a heartwarming yet poignant portrayal of a family's journey through one of the most isolating periods in recent history.
Pantano, who also serves as a producer, praises Borstein's ability to bring humor, vulnerability, and emotional honesty to the role. He believes that her talent will capture both the comedy and the heartbreak of Emma's journey, making her the perfect choice for the part. The film's producers include Dino Maglaris, Harrison Chiu, and Addie Scott Irwin of Salado Pictures, as well as Borstein and Marni Rosenzweig of The Rosenzweig Group.
'Turn the Lights Back On' is fully financed as a SAG-AFTRA independent feature and is expected to begin casting additional roles this month. Borstein's extensive body of work includes roles in HBO's 'Getting On', Showtime's 'Shameless', and her Emmy-winning performance as the voice of Lois Griffin on 'Family Guy'. Her versatility and range make her an exceptional choice to lead this emotional and comedic journey.
This project marks a significant step in Pantano's career, as he transitions from executive producing documentaries to directing his own feature film. His previous work includes serving as an executive producer on the Peacock documentary series 'Adaptive', which follows the journeys of elite Paralympic athletes. With his experience in independent film and documentary productions, Pantano brings a unique perspective to 'Turn the Lights Back On', ensuring a compelling and authentic portrayal of family life during a global crisis.
The film's exploration of family dynamics during a time of global uncertainty is a powerful reminder of the resilience and vulnerability of human connections. As audiences worldwide continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, 'Turn the Lights Back On' promises to offer a poignant and relatable story, providing a much-needed escape from the reality of isolation and hardship.
