273 | Dave Merheje & Rachel Lambert (Sometimes I Think About Dying)

My Summer Lair Chapter #273: What Do You Think About Sometimes?

Welcome back actor/standup comedian Dave Merheje to the program. He’s here with director Rachel Lambert to chat about their new film Sometimes I Think About Dying opening in cinemas across North America.

Daisy Ridley, who you know from recent Star Wars movies plays Fran and sometimes she thinks about dying. Fran works in a deadpan office although even when she’s at work she’s not always there. She’s in her head a lot. The character study deepens when Dave Merheje shows up. (You know Dave from Ramy.) He plays Robert and he’s excited to join Fran’s office. Their unusual and slightly awkward connection prompts her to sometimes think about life especially as they start dating.

A tidy summary: “Lost on the dreary Oregon coast, Fran (Ridley) finds solace in her cubicle, listening to the constant hum of officemates and occasionally daydreaming to pass the time. She is ghosting through life, unable to pop her bubble of isolation, when a friendly new coworker, Robert (Merheje), persistently tries to connect with her. Though it goes against every fiber of her being, she may have to give this guy a chance.”

When nothing used to happen now something’s happening.

There’s a comfort to a routine especially at work. You can get things done. It’s efficient. But sometimes a routine is not life. When you travel you get up every morning with this awesome agenda. You’re gonna see these special spots, you’re gonna lunch at this incredible cafe…you’re open to stories and you’re seeking adventure. It’s the opposite of routine; it’s the opposite of 9 to 5. You work long enough the cubicle becomes a place where you spend a lot of time daydreaming.

That’s not life…even though that’s life.

Sometimes I Think About Dying lingers because it’s a human experience. We all go through the motions at work…a routine is being numb. How do you set the alarm so you wake up once you’ve fallen asleep in the warm freedom of a safe life?

Dave shares a special story behind the object he brought to the set and placed on his desk; if you go see Sometimes I Think About Dying you can look out for that. And Rachel offers a unique take away that involves eye contact. I’m not entirely comfortable doing that but her insight is bang on.

Like the movie Sometimes I Think About Dying this My Summer Lair chapter is a simple conversation in complex times.

Behold…the Sometimes I Think About Dying trailer:

January can be a long and dark difficult month during winter. So good news: Sometimes I Think About Dying opens in select cinemas and will be On Demand in March.

If you’re seeking an intimate film…a slow burn of emotions check your local listings.

Sometimes I Think… @ W • T • F

Host Sammy Younan

Recorded: Tuesday January 30, 2024 at 12:45 pm (EST)

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