The Boy Downstairs

About The Boy Downstairs

The Boy Downstairs is a romantic comedy-drama released in 2018, directed and written by Sophie Brooks. The plot revolves around a young woman who accidentally moves into her ex-boyfriend’s apartment building and must navigate her feelings when she encounters her ex in the same building. The story beautifully amalgamates humor, love, and the complexity of relationships and personal growth.

Making / Production

Sophie Brooks directed the movie with a fresh perspective on relationships and personal growth. She was able to skillfully integrate elements of humor into an essentially romantic storyline. The cinematography, done by Stefan Weinberger, highlights the aesthetic beauty of New York City, subtly enhancing the different emotions experienced by the characters.

Actors

• Zosia Mamet plays the role of Diana, a woman who returns to New York after a stint in London, only to face her past. She effortlessly captures the nuances of her character's complexities and emotions.
• Matthew Shear portrays the character of Ben, the boy downstairs and Diana's ex-boyfriend. He portrays his character's soft-spoken personality with precision.
• Deirdre O'Connell plays the role of Amy, Diana's landlady who offers her comfort and wisdom. O'Connell enriches her character with grace and charm.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Zosia Mamet is better known for her role in the TV series 'Girls'.
• This is Sophie Brooks's directorial debut in full-length feature films.
• The film was shot entirely in New York City, and the city becomes a character in itself in the film.

Awards

While the movie did not win any notable awards, it was warmly received for its fresh take on a familiar story and its heartwarming portrayal of love and self-discovery.

Quotes

• "I thought we were just going to be friends, who didn't have sex..." - Diana
• "Sometimes it is really hard to forgive people for being exactly who they are." - Amy
• "It's not complicated. It's simple. But it's also incredibly hard." - Ben

Music, Soundtrack

• Most of The Boy Downstairs' soundtrack is comprised of indie pop songs, adding a quirky dimension to this romantic comedy.
• "Almost Mine" by Wankelmut & Charlotte OC and "Runaway" by Nuyori Snow were showcased in the movie.
• The film also includes some scores composed by David Buckley, which add depth to the narrative.