Molly Gordon, the rising star you probably recognized from “The Bear” and “Theater Camp,” is now pulling out all the stops by not just acting, but also writing and directing in her upcoming comedy “Peaked” for A24. Yes, folks, she’s multitasking her way into our hearts and, more importantly, our Netflix queues.
The official logline reveals a tale that may send shivers down the spines of those who survived high school: “the two girls who traumatized you in high school as they try to relive their glory days at their 10-year reunion.” Because nothing says ‘I’m over it’ like a cringe-worthy reunion. Gordon is co-writing the screenplay with her comedy buddy Allie Levitan, fresh from her SNL gig—perfect training for wrangling the chaos that is adulthood.
A24, known for their quirky films that make you ponder life choices and question your sanity, will be financing and producing “Peaked.” Slated to start filming this year—possibly during a heatwave to enhance the ‘reunion drama’ vibes—David Hinojosa and Zach Nutman of 2AM, alongside Gordon and the A24 crew, will try to make this cinematic gem shine. Levitan, in a stroke of brilliant, will serve as the executive producer. Let’s see if they can outdo that awkward prom do-over we all regrettably attended.
Besides “Peaked,” Gordon and Levitan are stirring up trouble with Searchlight Pictures on another endeavor, “Small Parts.” This film promises to be a modern spin on the 1987 classic “Outrageous Fortune,” which is basically an homage to ’80s fashion and terrible decisions. Production for that gem kicked off in May 2024, but remember, release dates are like high school friendships: incredibly unpredictable.
For the uninitiated, Molly Gordon is not just another name lost in the actor-turned-director shuffle. She co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in the mockumentary “Theater Camp”—the kind of movie that makes you wish you had a cast of friends as talented and, let’s face it, just as neurotic. Her previous roles in “Booksmart,” “Shiva Baby,” and the upcoming comedy “Oh, Hi!” make it clear that she’s determined to conquer every inch of the cinematic universe, one cringe at a time.
Levitan, on the other hand, is navigating the comedy waters with her family’s pedigree as the daughter of “Modern Family” creator Steven Levitan. Not content to coast on dad’s coattails, she’s written for shows like Stephen Colbert’s “Our Cartoon President” and the still-to-come FX series “Adults.” She’s represented by WME, Rise Management, and Hansen Jacobson Teller—because every emerging writer needs at least three agents to argue over who gets the last donut.
In summary, as we prepare for “Peaked” to hit the screens, remind yourself that this is not just a movie; it’s an exploratory expedition into the realm of unresolved high school trauma, which, honestly, is practically a rite of passage. With Gordon and Levitan at the helm, prepare for sharp humor, awkward flashbacks, and maybe an existential crisis or two. After all, who doesn’t love a good cringe?
