The directorial debut from actor Mo McRae isn’t a traditional thriller about racism. In fact, the opening scene of A Lot of Nothing is more dramatic than it is exciting or suspenseful. Here the two main characters, affluent and successful couple James and Vanessa (Y’Ian Noel and Cleopatra Coleman), are watching an evening news segment about a local police incident; a Black child was reportedly killed by a white officer. The protagonists then enter a heated argument — really just verbal foreplay set to funky background music — after realizing the cop in question is their neighbor Brian (Justin Hartley).
A Lot of Nothing is described as a satirical thriller, but the longer the movie goes on, that description becomes less and less accurate. The closest thing to satire occurs when James and Vanessa go to their respective jobs the next day; he’s a corporate lawyer and she works in finances.
A Lot of Nothing is described as a satirical thriller, but the longer the movie goes on, that description becomes less and less accurate. The closest thing to satire occurs when James and Vanessa go to their respective jobs the next day; he’s a corporate lawyer and she works in finances.
- 2/3/2023
- by Paul Lê
- bloody-disgusting.com
Mo McRae’s face may be more recognizable than his name. As an actor for more than 20 years with over 60 credits and counting he’s worked steadily, appearing on TV and in film in such roles as Benjamin Berry in “The Flight Attendant,” Blip Sanders on the short-lived “Pitch,” and Gus Henderson in “Den of Thieves.” Now he’s moved behind the camera as the co-writer and director of “A Lot of Nothing,” his feature film debut.
Officially, the film is about an uber-successful Black married couple whose perfect lives are knocked off kilter when they learn via the evening news that their cop neighbor, who is white, has killed a kid. In a time where the police killings of Tyre Nichols in Memphis and George Floyd in Minneapolis are front of mind, they assume that the victim is Black and decide to get answers. And that’s when everything goes wrong.
Officially, the film is about an uber-successful Black married couple whose perfect lives are knocked off kilter when they learn via the evening news that their cop neighbor, who is white, has killed a kid. In a time where the police killings of Tyre Nichols in Memphis and George Floyd in Minneapolis are front of mind, they assume that the victim is Black and decide to get answers. And that’s when everything goes wrong.
- 2/2/2023
- by Ronda Racha Penrice
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Rlje Films has picked up North American rights to actor Mo McRae’s feature directorial debut, A Lot of Nothing — a satirical thriller starring Y’Ian Noel (Insecure), Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth), Lex Scott Davis (Rebel), Shamier Anderson (Invasion) and Justin Hartley (This Is Us). AMC Networks’ business unit has slated the film for release in theaters and on demand on February 3rd.
A Lot of Nothing centers around James (Noel) and Vanessa (Coleman), who seem to be the perfect couple — happily married, successful, and comfortable. But one night, their lives are rocked to the core when, after watching a tragedy play out on the evening news, they realize their neighbor was involved. In a state of shock, and with opposing viewpoints on how to address the issue, they embark on a highly combustible journey to ‘do something’ about it.
McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan (Perry Mason) wrote the film,...
A Lot of Nothing centers around James (Noel) and Vanessa (Coleman), who seem to be the perfect couple — happily married, successful, and comfortable. But one night, their lives are rocked to the core when, after watching a tragedy play out on the evening news, they realize their neighbor was involved. In a state of shock, and with opposing viewpoints on how to address the issue, they embark on a highly combustible journey to ‘do something’ about it.
McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan (Perry Mason) wrote the film,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
A Lot of Nothing SXSW Film Festival Narrativve Feature Competition Reviewed for Shockya.com by Abe Friedtanzer Director: Mo McRae Writer: Sarah Kelly Kaplan and Mo McRae Cast: Y’lan Noel, Cleopatra Coleman, Shamier Anderson, Lex Scott Davis, Justin Hartley Screened at: SXSW Film Festival Online, LA, 3/15/22 Opens: March 13th, 2022 It’s unfortunately often that there […]
The post SXSW 2022: A Lot of Nothing Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post SXSW 2022: A Lot of Nothing Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/20/2022
- by Abe Friedtanzer
- ShockYa
Boldly going where few first-time (or however–many-time) directors dare, actor-turned-filmmaker Mo McRae fashions a high-wire juggling act of a debut, in which half the breathless, uneasy entertainment value comes from wondering when it will all come tumbling down. That it eventually does, therefore — in a final act that overworks some unnecessarily soapy twists — feels slightly inevitable. But it can’t undo the sly, stylish first impression McRae makes: Ironically, considering it revolves around a kidnapping, this is a film that takes no prisoners.
The provocative, intersectional dynamics of race, class and sex are announced elegantly, as Dp John Rosario’s sinuous camera delivers a cleverly choreographed 17–minute one-shot opening. Introducing not only the main characters, but their pointedly affluent environment and the see-sawing internal power-play of their relationship, this terrific scene plays like “Malcolm and Marie” given a sense of humor and a social conscience, as James (Y’lan Noel...
The provocative, intersectional dynamics of race, class and sex are announced elegantly, as Dp John Rosario’s sinuous camera delivers a cleverly choreographed 17–minute one-shot opening. Introducing not only the main characters, but their pointedly affluent environment and the see-sawing internal power-play of their relationship, this terrific scene plays like “Malcolm and Marie” given a sense of humor and a social conscience, as James (Y’lan Noel...
- 3/14/2022
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Racial divides, mistrust and misunderstandings get a rambunctious, if understandably inconclusive workout in A Lot of Nothing, a dynamic and agitating feature debut by Mo McRae that had its world premiere at South by Southwest in the Narrative Feature Competition section. Layers of suspicions, animosity and aggressive feelings ebb and flow as an upscale Los Angeles black couple plays host to another couple and, unexpectedly, to a lower-class white cop who’s paying a price for what he did the night before. After a powerful first act, this turbulent work is obliged to downshift somewhat as it seeks some kind of conclusion that won’t be too pat or simplistic given the complex dynamics at hand. While it doesn’t end on a satisfying note, this is nonetheless an excitingly combustible piece that announces a vibrant talent unafraid to confront thorny issues head-on.
Co-written by McRae, who has acted in...
Co-written by McRae, who has acted in...
- 3/13/2022
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
‘This Is Us’ Star Justin Hartley Joins Y’lan Noel & Cleopatra Coleman In Thriller ‘A Lot Of Nothing’
Exclusive: This Is Us star Justin Hartley is joining Y’lan Noel (The First Purge), Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth), Lex Scott Davis (The First Purge) and Shamier Anderson (Stowaway) in movie thriller A Lot Of Nothing, which is underway in Los Angeles.
In the feature, which is described to us as a “dark comedy-thriller”, things spiral out of control when a married couple living in a LA suburb is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor (Hartley) is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
Actor-producer Mo McRae’s directorial debut comes from a screenplay he co-wrote with Sarah Kelly Kaplan (HBO’s Perry Mason). CAA Media Finance is handling world sales rights.
McRae, who has acted in movies such as Wild, Lee Daniels’ The Butler and The First Purge, produces alongside Inny Clemons and Jason Tamasco. The Anonymous Content, Scalable Content,...
In the feature, which is described to us as a “dark comedy-thriller”, things spiral out of control when a married couple living in a LA suburb is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor (Hartley) is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
Actor-producer Mo McRae’s directorial debut comes from a screenplay he co-wrote with Sarah Kelly Kaplan (HBO’s Perry Mason). CAA Media Finance is handling world sales rights.
McRae, who has acted in movies such as Wild, Lee Daniels’ The Butler and The First Purge, produces alongside Inny Clemons and Jason Tamasco. The Anonymous Content, Scalable Content,...
- 4/28/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The first half of HBO’s Perry Mason was a bit of a tease.
Though everyone with even a passing familiarity with American television knows that Perry Mason is a devoted, capable lawyer, HBO’s version of the show introduced him as something else entirely. Through four full episodes of TV, Matthew Rhys’s legal hero was more of a grimy private investigator.
To be fair, this depiction of Perry Mason worked quite well within the HBO series’ gritty ‘20s aesthetic. But any show featuring Perry Mason was going to have to head to a courtroom eventually. And eventually Perry Mason did. The back half of Perry Mason’s eight episode first season put the titular star in the legal world where he belongs. And that’s presumably where he’ll stay for season 2.
Below is an episode guide to better track Perry’s evolution.
Perry Mason Episode 1: Chapter...
Though everyone with even a passing familiarity with American television knows that Perry Mason is a devoted, capable lawyer, HBO’s version of the show introduced him as something else entirely. Through four full episodes of TV, Matthew Rhys’s legal hero was more of a grimy private investigator.
To be fair, this depiction of Perry Mason worked quite well within the HBO series’ gritty ‘20s aesthetic. But any show featuring Perry Mason was going to have to head to a courtroom eventually. And eventually Perry Mason did. The back half of Perry Mason’s eight episode first season put the titular star in the legal world where he belongs. And that’s presumably where he’ll stay for season 2.
Below is an episode guide to better track Perry’s evolution.
Perry Mason Episode 1: Chapter...
- 7/27/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Lex Scott Davis and Shamier Anderson have been added to the cast of A Lot of Nothing, joining Y’lan Noel, who Davis co-starred alongside in The First Purge, as well as Cleopatra Coleman (The Last Man on Earth). Mo McRae is at the helm as a first-time feature director with Emmy and Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo on board as an executive producer.
The plot, written by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan, follows a married couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
More from DeadlineLex Scott Davis Joins ABC's Erin Brockovich-Inspired Drama Pilot 'Rebel''The Last Man on Earth' Alum Cleopatra Coleman Set To Co-Lead 'A Lot Of Nothing' Movie'Insecure' & 'The First Purge's Y'lan Noel To Star In 'A Lot Of Nothing' Thriller
Davis will play Candy,...
The plot, written by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan, follows a married couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
More from DeadlineLex Scott Davis Joins ABC's Erin Brockovich-Inspired Drama Pilot 'Rebel''The Last Man on Earth' Alum Cleopatra Coleman Set To Co-Lead 'A Lot Of Nothing' Movie'Insecure' & 'The First Purge's Y'lan Noel To Star In 'A Lot Of Nothing' Thriller
Davis will play Candy,...
- 3/31/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Cleopatra Coleman, who co-starred in Fox’s The Last Man on Earth comedy series, has secured the lead role opposite Y’lan Noel (Insecure) in Mo McRae’s directorial debut film A Lot Of Nothing, which has David Oyelowo attached as an executive producer.
It’s about a married couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
The thriller, from Mansa Productions, was penned by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan. Coleman will play Vanessa, wife to James Franklin (Noel), whose actions set in motion an escalating crisis, jeopardizing the lives and freedom of the officer and her family.
Slated to begin filming next month, the pic is produced by Inny Clemons, McRae, Anonymous Content, Mansa Productions founder Kellon Akeem, and Jason Tamasco of Bad Idea. Yandy Smith, Kim Hodgert,...
It’s about a married couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
The thriller, from Mansa Productions, was penned by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan. Coleman will play Vanessa, wife to James Franklin (Noel), whose actions set in motion an escalating crisis, jeopardizing the lives and freedom of the officer and her family.
Slated to begin filming next month, the pic is produced by Inny Clemons, McRae, Anonymous Content, Mansa Productions founder Kellon Akeem, and Jason Tamasco of Bad Idea. Yandy Smith, Kim Hodgert,...
- 2/22/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Y’lan Noel has been tapped to star in A Lot Of Nothing, the directorial debut feature from Mo McRae.
The Mansa Productions thriller, which was co-written by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan, follows a couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who are compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
Noel, who will soon be seen in Universal’s Stella Meghie-helmed romance drama, The Photograph, will play the husband James Franklin, whose wife, Vanessa, takes vigilante justice into her own hands.
Filming is slated to commence in the spring. Inny Clemons, McRae, Anonymous Content, Mansa Productions founder Kellon Akeem, and Jason Tamasco of Bad Idea are producing the project. Executive producers are David Oyelowo, Mansa’s Yandy Smith, Kim Hodgert and Nina Soriano of Anonymous Content as well as...
The Mansa Productions thriller, which was co-written by McRae and Sarah Kelly Kaplan, follows a couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who are compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist.
Noel, who will soon be seen in Universal’s Stella Meghie-helmed romance drama, The Photograph, will play the husband James Franklin, whose wife, Vanessa, takes vigilante justice into her own hands.
Filming is slated to commence in the spring. Inny Clemons, McRae, Anonymous Content, Mansa Productions founder Kellon Akeem, and Jason Tamasco of Bad Idea are producing the project. Executive producers are David Oyelowo, Mansa’s Yandy Smith, Kim Hodgert and Nina Soriano of Anonymous Content as well as...
- 2/11/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mo McRae has set his feature directorial debut with A Lot Of Nothing, a darkly comedic thriller he co-wrote with Sarah Kelly Kaplan. Golden Globe-nominated actor David Oyelowo will serve as an executive producer for the project, which is being produced by McRae, Inny Clemons, Anonymous Content, Mansa Productions founder Kellon Akeem, and Jason Tamasco of Bad Idea.
Slated to begin shooting this spring, the pic follows a couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist
“I feel incredibly honored to be telling this story with such a phenomenal group of artists,” said McRae. “The themes and dynamics in this film have been in my heart and on my mind for many years. I’m extremely excited to embark on this journey and share something electric and timely.
Slated to begin shooting this spring, the pic follows a couple living in a Los Angeles suburb who is compelled to take dangerous actions when they discover their next-door neighbor is the police officer that just murdered an unarmed motorist
“I feel incredibly honored to be telling this story with such a phenomenal group of artists,” said McRae. “The themes and dynamics in this film have been in my heart and on my mind for many years. I’m extremely excited to embark on this journey and share something electric and timely.
- 1/21/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
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