Molly Gordon Says ‘Oh, Hi!’ Was “Very Inspired By Kathy Bates’ Freedom” in ‘Misery’

Following their initial screening of “Oh, Hi!” at Sundance earlier this year, Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman recently showcased their dark romantic comedy in Los Angeles on a Tuesday night.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in a cinematic journey crafted by Gordon and writer-director Sophie Brooks. This tale unfolds around a pair embarking on their initial romantic escapade. Upon reaching our destination, my character Isaac confessed his hesitation towards commitment. My partner Iris, however, wasn’t content with this response; she went to extraordinary lengths to change my mind.

At the L.A. premiere of the film’s debut, Gordon playfully remarked that some men had been unkind to Sophie and him, which inspired them to create a story about the incident. The production has often been likened to the 1990 movie ‘Misery’, starring Kathy Bates and James Caan, due to its parallel themes of a woman keeping a man she’s fixated on captive.

In discussing these comparisons, Gordon notes, “Stephen King is our idol, but this isn’t just a copy; we’re heavily influenced by the themes of obsession and the blend of horror and humor. Although this isn’t a horror movie and there’s no physical harm inflicted, we were greatly inspired by Kathy Bates‘ liberated portrayal in that film.” The actress additionally credits Nora Ephron as an influence when it comes to delving into the romantic comedy aspects of our production.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that “Misery” is among the top ten movies I absolutely adore. I watch it annually without fail. However, it’s not exactly “Misery,” it’s more like its own unique creation. It veers off in a different direction and delivers its message in a way that’s strikingly distinct from the original. Yet, there’s no denying the evident inspiration behind it.

Speaking of Lerman, he’s set to feature in the upcoming season of “Only Murders in the Building.” When he initially read the script, he was struck by its brilliance, exclaiming, “This ought to be produced! This is a movie I’d pay to watch in cinemas!” He felt fortunate that it crossed his path and thankful for the risk-takers who financed this small independent film.

Oh, Hi! hits theaters on July 25.

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2025-07-09 21:24