Ryan and Andie (Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay Goldstein, lead singers of July Talk) meet in the aftermath of a car crash. When they unexpectedly run into each other again a few months later, an easy friendship develops: Ryan is impulsive and free-spirited, and his sense of fun is a magnet for Andie, who feels trapped in her marriage. Despite problems in their individual domestic situations, the two have a blast — from bowling to pedicures to spur-of-the-moment air travel — until a few unavoidable realities begin to seep in, including the contrast in their personalities.
Like all good romances, Middle Life highlights the charms of its leads as a key feature. Goldstein’s Andie is endearing and gracious, and it’s fun to watch her change from cautious to carefree as the film progresses. As the uninhibited Ryan, Peter Dreimanis gives a winning performance, leading with his inviting, impish grin. Pavan Moondi’s film maintains a breezy, casual air, grounded by a poignant reflection on commitment and freedom.
Oct 9 & 11: Q&A
Community Partner
Leah Fay Goldstein, Peter Dreimanis, Luke Lalonde, Norah Sadava, Colin Burgess
Canada/USA
2025
English
At International Village
At Fifth Avenue
Book Tickets
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Josh Warburton, Chetan Bhanot, Mark Homza, Philippe Leblanc, Michael Dotsikas, Abe Sanjakdar, Adrienne Sanjakdar, Clare Stein, Ryan Young
Producer
Peter Dreimanis, Pavan Moondi, Jared Raab, Leah Fay Goldstein, Dean Perlmutter
Screenwriter
Pavan Moondi
Cinematography
Jared Raab
Editor
Pavan Moondi
Original Music
Ben Fox
Pavan Moondi
Pavan Moondi (pronounced “Pav-in”) is a Los Angeles–based filmmaker originally from Toronto. He has written and directed three critically acclaimed feature films, including the Canadian Screen Award–nominated Diamond Tongues (2015), and Sundowners (2017), which co-stars Tim Heidecker. In television, Pavan directed all eight episodes of the CBC single-camera comedy Four in the Morning and worked in the writers’ room on Schitt’s Creek. Middle Life (2025) is his fourth feature film, which he wrote, directed, edited, and produced.
Filmography: Every Day is Like Sunday (2013); Diamond Tongues (2015); Sundowners (2017)
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
The Secret in Their Eyes
This month's Talking Pictures screening is a multi-layered, poignant thriller interweaving the personal lives of a prosecution investigator (Ricardo Darin) and a judge, with a manhunt spanning twenty-five years. Stay for cookies, coffee and a chat after!
American Doctor
One of the most powerful documentaries of the year, this puts us smack in the open wound that is Gaza, filtered through the eyes of three American surgeons (of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian backgrounds) compelled to do their utmost to alleviate harm.
