Film Club: Aimee Lou Wood and Nabhaan Rizwan Discuss New Romcom

Aimee Lou Wood found solace in watching movies when the world shut down in 2020, immersing herself in classic films to escape the confines of her small flat. This led her to come up with the idea for Film Club, a BBC romcom series she co-wrote and stars in. The show follows Evie, an agoraphobic twentysomething who hosts movie nights in her mum’s garage as a way to spend time with the boy she likes but is too scared to confess her feelings to.

Wood, along with her friend and co-writer Ralph Davis, drew inspiration from old-school romcoms like When Harry Met Sally and Broadcast News, as well as their own shared sense of humor developed over hours spent together. They aimed to create a series that showcased the awkwardness and quirkiness of love, in contrast to the more subdued romance often seen on TV.

The casting of Nabhaan Rizwan, known for his roles in Industry and Kaos, as the male lead Noa initially raised concerns for Wood, fearing he was too cool for the role. However, their immediate chemistry during auditions put those worries to rest. Rizwan describes their natural rapport as key to bringing the characters of Noa and Evie to life, portraying them as two weirdos who find a connection amidst their social awkwardness.

In Film Club, Evie is supported by her friends and family, including her sister Izzie, boyfriend Josh, and university friends. Each character adds a layer of understanding to Evie’s complex mind, but it’s ultimately Noa who truly grasps her fears and anxieties. The show delves into Evie’s world through themed movie nights, such as Alien and The Wizard of Oz, each reflecting a different aspect of her emotional journey.

Overall, Film Club is a heartwarming and funny series that captures the essence of nerdy, messy love, with a touch of humor and relatability. Wood, Davis, Rizwan, and the rest of the cast and crew have created a show that invites audiences to step inside Evie’s world and experience love, friendship, and self-discovery in a refreshingly authentic way.