Sometimes, a movie comes along that makes you think about relationships differently. Not necessarily because of a grand romantic gesture or a happily-ever-after ending, but because of how realistically it portrays the complicated process of growing up, falling in love, and discovering who you are. Falling was one of those films for me. I had the opportunity to speak with Archie Renaux, KJ Apa, and Isabel May at the film’s premiere, and what I appreciated most about our conversations was how each actor approached the characters’ personal journeys.
One of the things I loved about Falling was its ending. Without giving anything away, I appreciated that the film wasn’t afraid to challenge what audiences might expect from a romantic story. Throughout the film, I found myself questioning the decisions made by Johnny, Jack, and Jillian. However, by the time the credits rolled, I understood that these characters were experiencing something much bigger than a complicated romantic relationship. They were trying to figure out who they were, even if that meant losing something or someone along the way.
Archie Renaux on Johnny’s Second Coming of Age
When I spoke with Archie Renaux, who portrays Johnny, I wanted to explore something that had been on my mind while watching the film. I didn’t believe Johnny truly understood himself until the end of the story. Throughout much of the film, he seemed uncertain about his identity, his relationships, and what he wanted out of life.
Archie described Johnny’s journey as a “second coming of age,” explaining that while people often associate adulthood with turning 18, another period of self-discovery can occur around the age of 25. It’s a time when the person you thought you were may no longer reflect the person you’re becoming.
I also wondered whether Johnny’s relationship with Jack involved a certain amount of comparison. Was Johnny looking at his friend’s life and questioning why he hadn’t achieved the same level of success? Archie acknowledged that there could be some resentment, particularly because Johnny’s writing career wasn’t progressing as he’d hoped. Working in a bookshop and struggling romantically only added to his frustration.
What made our conversation even more interesting was when Archie brought his own experience into it. He became a father at 22 and described how that responsibility forced him to grow up while many of his friends were still enjoying a different kind of freedom. It was a personal perspective that added another layer to our discussion about maturity and the different paths people take.
KJ Apa on Forgiveness, Isabel May, and Playing Jimmy Stewart
My conversation with KJ Apa continued the discussion about the film’s ending, particularly the idea of forgiveness and moving forward. One of the things that resonated with me was the realization that forgiving someone doesn’t necessarily mean reopening a chapter of your life that you’ve already closed.
As I shared with KJ, I appreciated that the characters eventually reached a point where they could recognize what was right for them, what wasn’t working, and what they needed to leave behind. That process might take years, but there’s something meaningful about finally reaching that understanding.
I also wanted to ask KJ about working with Isabel May, especially because the two had previously been attached to the unrealized Wonder Twins project. KJ, who also served as an executive producer on Falling, explained that he had wanted to work with Isabel after their earlier experience reading together. Having seen her work, he believed she would be perfect for this film.
Our conversation also shifted to another project, Jimmy, in which KJ portrays Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart. He described the role as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and acknowledged the responsibility of portraying someone whose career and legacy have meant so much to audiences.
What I found particularly interesting was his experience working with Stewart’s family. KJ shared that Stewart’s daughter, Kelly, was on set every day. While he admitted that having her there could be nerve-racking, he also recognized how important her involvement and support were to the production.
For KJ, taking on that kind of challenge is part of what brings out his best work as an actor.
Isabel May on Jillian, Relationships, and Why Nobody Has to Be the Villain
Of my three conversations, Isabel May offered some particularly thought-provoking observations about relationships and the way audiences judge characters.
One of my biggest questions about Falling was when Jillian actually began developing feelings for Johnny. Was there a specific moment when her perspective changed? Isabel suggested that falling in love isn’t always something we recognize while it’s happening. Sometimes, it’s a collection of smaller moments that gradually reveal a connection.
I brought up a scene involving Jillian searching for a birthday present and discovering something meaningful through Johnny’s writing. Isabel agreed that Jillian began recognizing something special about him, including his aspirations and the emotional connection they shared.
However, our discussion became even more interesting when we addressed whether Jillian should be considered a villain because of her decisions.
Isabel challenged that interpretation, pointing out that Johnny isn’t necessarily subjected to the same judgment. Why, then, should Jillian be viewed differently for experiencing her own feelings and making choices about her life?
“Sometimes you need to have an experience with a person to grow, but that relationship can’t survive that growth,” Isabel explained.
She also offered another perspective: “We have to remind ourselves that we’re the supporting character in everyone else’s story.”
This speaks to something that goes beyond the movie. We often think about relationships in terms of what someone means to us, but we don’t always consider that their own journey might require something different. Sometimes, letting go is part of growing up.
From Wonder Twins to Falling — and What’s Next
I also got Isabel’s perspective on finally working with KJ after their planned collaboration on Wonder Twins never materialized. She recalled having a positive impression of him during that earlier process and revealed that she’d actually read the Falling script a year or two before KJ became involved.
After the project resurfaced, it was KJ who brought it to her attention again. Isabel expressed her gratitude and affection for her co-star, describing him as a talented actor with a wonderfully unusual sense of humor.
Before wrapping up, I asked about Mr. Irrelevant, which Isabel had recently promoted at the MTV Video Music Awards alongside David Corenswet. Her enthusiasm was unmistakable. She told me that she was more proud of that film than anything she’d previously done, a statement she emphasized was completely sincere.
We eventually returned to Falling, and Isabel shared how much she loved the finished movie. Despite having watched it several times, she still found herself completely engaged with the story.
What made these three interviews particularly rewarding was discovering how naturally their perspectives connected. Archie spoke about the difficult process of finding yourself. KJ’s conversation explored forgiveness and the ability to move forward. Isabel reminded me that personal growth sometimes means accepting that a relationship has run its course.
I went into the film expecting a story about love and friendship, but I walked away thinking about identity, maturity, and how our relationships shape the people we become. I also appreciated that the film allowed its characters to make mistakes without insisting that someone had to be entirely right or wrong.
And then there’s that ending. I won’t spoil it, but I will say that one particular question has stayed with me ever since watching the film.
“Why?”
Sometimes, asking that question changes how we understand everything that came before it.
Watch my red carpet conversations with Archie Renaux, KJ Apa, and Isabel May from the Falling premiere by clicking the player above or downloading on Spotify.
Falling premieres in theaters Friday, October 9th.
