Behind the Scenes of Wake: A Q&A with the Cast at Newport Beach Film Festival 2026

The 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival welcomed the West Coast premiere of Wake, a heartfelt dramedy that explores family, loss, and the unexpected moments of humor that can emerge even during life’s most difficult times.

Directed by Devon M. Schwartz and co-written by Schwartz and Kelly O’Malley, Wake follows four semi-estranged siblings—Rose, Cassie, Becca, and Cade—who reunite on the day of their father’s wake. What should be a solemn occasion quickly turns into a whirlwind of clashing relatives, awkward guests, funeral mishaps, and conflicting ways of coping with grief.

As the siblings navigate the chaos, they must also confront the painful circumstances surrounding their father’s suicide. Along the way, they begin to rediscover the family bonds that have grown distant over time.

On October 18, I attended the film’s West Coast premiere at Starlight Triangle Cinemas in Costa Mesa, where I had the opportunity to catch up with members of the cast on the red carpet.

In my Q&A, the cast shared their insights into the film, their characters, and the experience of bringing this emotional yet humorous family story to life.

Q&A with Devon M. Schwartz – Director of Wake

Popbuff: What inspired you to bring Wake to life, and what drew you to this particular story?

Devon: Well, there was something about Kelly O’Malley’s original intention for the piece that really resonated with me. She wanted to bring levity and humor to a story that is usually treated with a great deal of reverence. Sometimes, people are afraid to even go there or talk about the word “suicide.” It can be a very sensitive subject, and people often don’t know how to handle it or address it.

It was very important to Kelly that we try to break down that stigma and help people feel more comfortable talking about not just suicide, but mental health struggles in general. Almost all of us have experienced mental health challenges, whether personally or through someone close to us.

That was her intention from the beginning. She asked me to collaborate with her on the script because she knew I had experience dealing with this subject matter through comedy. In fact, I had worked on not just one, but two projects in my career that explored similar themes, both intentionally approaching them from a darkly comedic perspective.

She wanted me to bring that writing experience to the project, and I found the opportunity irresistible. It made our collaboration incredibly fruitful from the start. We saw eye to eye from the very beginning and continued to share that vision throughout pre-production, production, and post-production. And now, here we are, three years later, just thrilled to be sharing the film.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Devon: Well, I hope audiences realize that shying away from difficult emotions isn’t necessarily going to help. When you look at the different conflicts we inevitably have with one another as we’re fumbling our way toward human connection, it can often feel daunting. Sometimes, it makes us want to run away or hide. We hide our emotions from others and even from ourselves.

That’s something we explore through humor. The majority of the film is truly a farce because all these characters are in shock. They’re not focusing on their grief yet because it’s simply too soon.

Instead, they’re focused on logistics. They’re asking things like, “Who picked these flowers?” or “Why is he wearing the wrong tie?” Everything seems wrong.

Of course, underneath all of that chaos, they’re experiencing much deeper emotions, but they’re not ready to confront them.

I hope audiences take away the idea that those emotions don’t have to be scary. They’re actually a beautiful and unavoidable part of the human experience. We all experience loss at some point in our lives.

An old friend of mine, whom I collaborated with on a project involving similar subject matter more than 20 years ago, volunteered at a hospice unit. Through that work, he attended many funerals and witnessed so many different ways people dealt with grief, loss, and one another during those difficult moments.

He once told me that, despite seeing all those different expressions of grief, he’d never seen anyone do it wrong.

That really stuck with me. There are as many ways to grieve as there are people, and there’s always something meaningful that can come from people gathering together.

Even though death and loss are ultimately sad parts of life, they also give us an opportunity to be honest, talk about what we’re really feeling, reflect on the beautiful connections we shared with someone, and celebrate that person’s life.

My friend shared a story about attending one particular funeral. A man leaned over to him and said, “You know, I feel really odd saying this, but I’m having a really good time.”

And my friend responded, “Well, of course. You’re here talking with everyone who loved this person. You’re all gathered here because you loved this person.”

I think that’s a beautiful way to look at it.

Q&A with Kelly O’Malley – Co-Writer and Rose in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me a little bit about your character and what drew you to this film.

Kelly: I wrote the film with my co-writer and director, Devon M. Schwartz. I wanted to explore grief and the absurdity of grief.

I lost my dad to suicide, and having gone through that experience, I somehow found that even in the midst of such immense tragedy, there were funny stories that came out of it. I wanted to explore that and see if humor could make the subject more approachable for people, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences with grief, feel less alone, and become more comfortable talking about it.

I play Rose, and what I love about her is that she’s very prickly. Sometimes, I’m almost embarrassed for her because I think, “Oh my gosh, you just said that out loud!” But there’s also something really freeing about being able to say those inner thoughts out loud.

What’s interesting about Rose is that her way of dealing with grief is believing that everyone needs to be honest with one another, yet she’s not being honest with herself.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Kelly: I hope they feel that they’re not alone in their grief. And if they’ve been fortunate enough not to have experienced the loss of an immediate family member or a very close friend, I hope they understand that when that time comes, no one really knows what to do.

And that’s okay.

We can get through it together if we listen to what we need and find ways to help one another.

Most importantly, I want people to know that they’re not alone.

Q&A with Sasha Compère – Rachel in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me a little bit about your character and what drew you to this film.

Sasha: Rachel, my character in Wake, is the assistant to the father who has unfortunately passed away. She’s also a friend of Rose, played by the amazing Kelly O’Malley.

Throughout the wake, Rachel is trying to corral the entire family and keep everyone together while also figuring out where she fits in now that her mentor and boss is gone.

She’s basically trying to navigate this storm of emotions and chaos while figuring things out alongside the family.

Popbuff: The film is about siblings reconnecting under difficult circumstances. Did this story change the way you think about family relationships?

Sasha: I don’t know if it necessarily changed how I think about family relationships. I think it’s just very honest, real, and true to what family relationships are like.

That’s what I fell in love with about the story. It felt like I was watching a version of my own family.

It’s just honest. You don’t really know what you’re doing when you lose someone, and everybody is trying to figure things out and pull themselves together.

And yes, there are humorous moments because sometimes not knowing what to do can actually be funny. Sometimes, all you can do is laugh at the reality of life.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Sasha: Well, I hope they remember to stay present with their family members during moments of grief and also remember to laugh through it.

It’s something we’re all going to experience at some point, and you kind of have to appreciate the best moments you share with your family.

Q&A with Ali Astin – Cassie in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me about your character and what drew you to this film.

Ali: Cassie is bubbly and full of life, and she’s trying as hard as she can to hold everything together. I think her determination to do that, while simultaneously failing, is one of the most endearing qualities I’ve seen in a character.

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to give voice to that aspect of grief. I think there are so many different voices in this movie, and being able to play those notes in the symphony was truly an honor.

Popbuff: The film is about siblings reconnecting under difficult circumstances. Did this story change the way you think about family relationships?

Ali: Yeah, I’m blessed with the most beautiful set of sisters. I have two sisters, and they are just my pride and joy in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to have some of the strongest family relationships of anyone I know.

And that extended into the movie. I’ve known Kelly O’Malley for years, so being able to play her sister was huge for me. Getting to meet her family throughout the process was also really important.

When you’re dealing with difficult subject matter like this, having a cast that feels like family changes everything. We were all going through a lot together, and it meant so much to be able to lean on one another.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Ali: I hope audiences come away with that same sense of peace, comfort, and joy, and appreciate our ability to find humor in life’s crazy moments.

I hope they’ll be able to laugh, cry, hug each other, and hold the people they love a little closer.

Q&A with Ali Gallo – Becca in Wake

Popbuff: What drew you to the film? Can you tell me a little bit about your character?

Ali: So, I play Becca in Wake. She’s the youngest in the family, and I feel like she’s really the heart of the film because of what she brings to the family dynamic and how she relates to the trauma.

I think her groundedness serves as a window into the story for the audience.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Ali: As dark as the subject matter is, I hope everybody can find some levity and laughter in something so tragic and that people can relate to that.

Humor is like the best medicine, and grief is a universal experience. That’s real life.

Personally, I find that laughter helps me cope with trauma, which is one of the reasons I love doing films like this.

Yeah, I hope other people can find that same sense of comfort through humor as well.

Q&A with Chris Parnell – Brian in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me a little bit about your character. What drew you to this film?

Chris: When I read the script, I liked it, and that’s always kind of the starting point for me. I also liked the role because it was something a little different from what I usually do.

Brian isn’t a comedic character, so I could just focus on the dramatic side of the movie without having to constantly think, “Is what I’m doing funny? Could I make it funnier?” I didn’t have to worry about that at all, which was nice.

And then, you know, I really liked Devon and Kelly. They’re lovely people, and I like to work! So it’s always nice to work on something you feel good about, something that has an important place in the world.

The film has some meaningful things to say about family relationships and the subject of tragic loss. I think it explores those experiences in a very realistic way.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Chris: I hope they’re moved by it. I hope they’re amused by it. And I hope that maybe they’ll come away with a better understanding of untimely loss, what to look out for, and how to approach those difficult situations.

I think anytime we bring these subjects into the conversation, it creates more opportunities for dialogue and hopefully encourages more people to get the help they need.

Q&A with Nelson Franklin – Michael in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me a little bit about your character and what drew you to this film.

Nelson: I play the funeral director in this movie. What drew me to the character, and specifically to the movie as a whole, was the script. Right away, I thought it was really well-written.

That kind of thing always jumps out at me because I read a lot of scripts, and unfortunately, not everything is great. But this one really stood out to me.

It read kind of like a play, which I appreciate. There was a lot of room for good acting.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Nelson: You know, a lot of love went into this movie, and the filmmakers drew from their own personal experiences. It’s sort of an autobiographical story.

One thing I took away from the film is that it deals with a very sensitive subject—suicide—and it made me think about it in a different way.

More and more, I keep hearing about situations like this happening to people who otherwise seem to be doing great. On the surface, they seem fine. They seem happy, and everyone is so surprised, wondering, “How did this happen?”

So my takeaway from this movie is to really pay attention to the people you love. Don’t just accept the usual answer when you ask how they’re doing.

Take that extra step and ask, “But really, how are you? I know you’re saying you’re fine, but how are you really doing?”

I think it’s important to go a little deeper with the people you love.

Q&A with Willow Shields – Madi in Wake

Popbuff: Tell me about your character and what drew you to this film.

Willow: I play Madi, and she’s a sort of free-spirited character who fits into this world in a really interesting way.

What drew me to the script was my fascination with how all these characters navigate such a big and tragic event in their lives. I felt that Madi, my character, was particularly interesting because she deals with it in a somewhat unconventional way.

Deep down, she cares so deeply, but she almost doesn’t know how to show it. And I think that’s a reality for a lot of people in our world.

Popbuff: The film is about siblings reconnecting under difficult circumstances. Did this story change the way you think about family relationships?

Willow: I don’t know if it necessarily changed the way I felt about family relationships, but it was finally a moment that I felt was portrayed properly on screen.

I feel like we don’t see enough sibling relationships dealing with something so challenging. And I think the film is a great example of so many different people coming together, dealing with the same situation but handling it in completely different ways.

Those differences can create conflict, but in the end, they can also bring people closer together.

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from Wake?

Willow: I hope they take away the film’s important message, but also—and I keep coming back to this—an understanding of how different every single person is, not just in everyday life but also when dealing with tragedy or something incredibly challenging.

It’s about accepting people and meeting them where they are, so that at the end of the day, you can help each other get through whatever difficult situation you’re facing.

Q&A with Nadine Nicole – Cast Member of Wake

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from this film?

Nadine: I hope people come away with a better understanding of what families go through after losing someone to suicide. I also hope it encourages people to have more sensitive and compassionate conversations with families experiencing that kind of loss.

It’s important to know where to seek help if someone needs it and how to support others who may be going through a difficult time.

Popbuff: The film is about families reconnecting under difficult circumstances. Did this story change the way you think about family relationships?

Nadine: This story did change the way I think about family relationships, especially in seeing how everyone reacts differently to trauma, suffering, and vulnerability within a family.

Some people reach out for help, while others feel the need to work through things on their own.

Everyone has a different way of coping when they’re grieving, so I think it’s important to recognize and understand those differences, as well as which ways of coping might be healthier than others.

Q&A with Penelope Ann Miller – Sheila in Wake

Popbuff: What do you hope audiences will take away from this film?

Penelope Ann Miller: Well, obviously, the film deals with suicide, so it’s a touchy subject. I know Kelly has talked about how stigmatized it is and how people often judge that kind of death. There’s so much guilt and shame surrounding it.

I just hope it’s something we can talk about more openly and that people understand the tremendous grief experienced by those who lose a loved one to suicide. I feel like it’s probably one of the most difficult forms of grief someone can go through.

So, I really hope there’s more compassion and understanding. Even though there’s humor in this particular movie, especially in the aftermath of the tragedy, I hope people come away with a greater sense of acceptance and recognize that we need to allow people to grieve in their own way.

We have to give people the space to grieve, welcome their emotions, and support those who are suffering.

You just pray for those who have lost their lives to suicide, and I certainly do.

I’m just happy that Kelly is bringing this story to life. I’m sure it was difficult for her to tell, but I think it was also cathartic in a lot of ways.

So, I hope this film brings more healing. I really do pray for healing.

Final Thoughts

Wake is more than just a dramedy about a family coming together after a tragic loss. It’s a heartfelt reminder that grief comes in many forms, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate it. Through moments of laughter, heartbreak, and unexpected chaos, the film explores the complexities of family relationships and the importance of compassion, understanding, and human connection.

What resonated with me most during my conversations with the cast was their shared message: even in life’s darkest moments, humor can bring comfort, and no one should have to face grief alone.

By addressing the sensitive subject of suicide with both honesty and humor, Wake opens the door to meaningful conversations about mental health, loss, and healing.

Ultimately, the film reminds us to cherish our loved ones, check in on one another, and never underestimate the power of simply being there for someone.

A special thank you to the cast and filmmakers of Wake for taking the time to share their stories and insights with PopBuff during the 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing emotional distress, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States. Help and support are available.