Meg Ryan discusses her latest romantic comedy, ‘What Happens Later’, in an exclusive interview.

As a director, she harbored lingering reservations regarding the idyllic notions of everlasting bliss often associated with her chosen genre. The realms of romance and fairy tales, brimming with their promise of happily-ever-afters, failed to escape her critical gaze. However, armed with an unyielding determination to challenge the status quo, she embarked on a bold journey, intent on stretching the boundaries of her craft by delving into poignant explorations of aging and remorse.

This visionary filmmaker, driven by an insatiable thirst for artistic growth, now seeks to dismantle societal expectations and explore the intricacies that accompany the passage of time. With each film she helms, she dismantles the conventional archetypes of love and happiness, presenting audiences with narratives that peel back the layers of human existence, exposing profound reflections on the regrets that linger in the wake of fleeting moments.

Boldly venturing beyond the confines of traditional storytelling, she artfully weaves together nuanced characters grappling with the complexities of growing older. No longer content with superficial portrayals of love’s triumphs, she confronts her audience with the raw vulnerability that accompanies life’s inevitable progression. Her films serve as mirrors, reflecting the universal experiences of aging—be it the wistful nostalgia for youth or the bittersweet recognition of missed opportunities.

Through her unique cinematic lens, she captures the essence of regret—the haunting companion that shadows every human being as they navigate the labyrinthine paths of existence. By pushing the boundaries of her genre, she invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the choices made, the roads not taken, and the weight of those decisions as they bear down upon weary shoulders. Her directorial prowess lies not in providing answers, but rather in posing thought-provoking questions that linger long after the final credits roll.

In her pursuit of cinematic authenticity, she fearlessly challenges the notion that romantic narratives must adhere to conventional molds. She embraces the truth that love, passion, and desire are not confined to the exuberance of youth alone. Instead, she redefines the boundaries of affection, showcasing how it evolves and adapts with the passage of time—how it thrives even amidst the backdrop of advancing years and sagging skin.

This visionary director’s work serves as an invitation—an invitation to contemplate the complexity of human emotions and the profound impact of aging on our lives. Through her thought-provoking films, she ushers in a new era of storytelling that rejects simplistic notions of happily-ever-afters, arming audiences with the courage to confront their own fears and vulnerabilities.

In pushing the limits of her craft, she unveils a richer tapestry of narratives—a tapestry woven with threads of introspection and empathy. With each project she undertakes, this director bravely embraces the uncertainty that accompanies true artistic exploration, unlocking a treasure trove of untold stories that resonate deeply within the hearts of those fortunate enough to experience her cinematic creations.

Abigail Turner

Abigail Turner