Breakups are messy, but what if yours uncovered a conspiracy of exes that changes everything? Dive into the world of relationships gone hilariously wrong with the upcoming indie comedy Basic, where love, jealousy, and self-discovery collide in the most unexpected ways. If you've ever stalked an ex on social media or questioned your own dating history, this film promises to resonate—and maybe even make you rethink your own 'basic' moments. But here's where it gets controversial: Is prying into someone's past a form of empowerment, or just a recipe for more heartbreak? Stick around as we unpack the details of this fresh take on modern romance.
Exclusive Casting News Shakes Up the Indie Scene! Ashley Park, the versatile talent from Joyride, Leighton Meester, known for her sharp wit in I Love LA, and Taylor John Smith, the rising star from Warfare, have secured the lead parts in Basic. This project represents the feature film directorial debut of writer-director Chelsea Devantez, who brings her unique voice to the screen. Drawing inspiration from her acclaimed 2020 short film of the same title, which garnered accolades as an official SXSW selection and clinched Best Comedy at the HollyShorts Film Festival, Basic expands into a full-length story that's equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and thought-provoking.
The Plot Twists Through Heartache and Humor At its core, the film centers on Gloria, portrayed by Ashley Park, and Nick, played by Taylor John Smith, as they endure a brutal breakup. Gloria, spiraling into a whirlwind of emotions, embarks on a deep dive into Nick's romantic past, meticulously unraveling the layers of his relationships with former girlfriends. But the real revelation hits when she uncovers Kaylinn, embodied by Leighton Meester—the epitome of the 'basic' ex. This character isn't just another fling; she's the one who snags Gloria's boyfriend and threatens to rewrite Gloria's entire narrative. It's a clever exploration of how we perceive ourselves through the lens of past loves, often amplified by the judgments we make on social media. For beginners navigating the world of indie comedies, think of it as a modern rom-com that blends the sting of rejection with the absurdity of overanalyzing every text and photo. And this is the part most people miss: In our digital age, where a simple scroll can dredge up old flames, Basic asks us to confront whether these online breadcrumbs are clues to our own inadequacies or just fuel for unnecessary drama.
A Stellar Supporting Cast and Production Powerhouse Backing this ensemble are talented supporting actors who add depth and hilarity: Ashley Nicole Black from A Black Lady Sketch Show, Kandy Muse of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Nelson Franklin known for Veep, Kenzie Elizabeth from Easy, and Kate Linder from The Young and the Restless. The film is brought to life through a collaboration of notable producers, including Marc Platt Productions (behind upcoming hits like Wicked: For Good and How to Train Your Dragon), BuzzFeed Studios (creators of Puppy Love and Fall), Fortitude International (responsible for My Penguin Friend and Backspot), Caliwood Pictures (producers of Goodrich and the forthcoming Killing Castro), and 100 Zeros.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights from the Team Leading the production are Marc Platt, Katie McNicol, and Adam Siegel for Marc Platt Productions, joined by Nadine DeBarros from Fortitude International, and Michael Philip along with Richard Alan Reid representing BuzzFeed Studios. Executive producers include Chelsea Devantez herself, Rachel Douglas and Casey Durant of 100 Zeros, Jordan Moncada, R. Wesley Sierk III from Caliwood Pictures, Lucas Jarach, Sandra Siegal, Ashley Park, and Leighton Meester. Worldwide sales are managed by Fortitude International and BuzzFeed Studios, ensuring this gem reaches global audiences.
In a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline, producer Marc Platt praised the project, saying, “Chelsea is a singular creative force—sharply funny, fearless, and full of heart. Her vision brilliantly captures how we engage with, judge ourselves and others, and are consumed by social media. With our stellar cast—Ashley Park, Leighton Meester, and Taylor John Smith—she’s created a sharply human, character-driven story that’s as hilarious as it is timely.” It's a nod to how social platforms can turn personal stories into public spectacles, blurring the lines between reality and curated personas.
Meet the Creative Minds Shaping *Basic* Chelsea Devantez is no stranger to success, with an Emmy nomination under her belt as a writer, bestselling author, comedian, and now director. She previously served as Head Writer for The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+ and developed various shows through her overall deal with 20th Century Fox. Her writing portfolio shines with credits on Girls5Eva, Not Dead Yet, and Bless This Mess, among others. Her debut memoir, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This (but I’m Going To Anyway), published by HarperCollins’ Hanover Square Press, soared to national bestseller status. Plus, she's the host of the wildly popular podcast Glamorous Trash, boasting over six million downloads. Devantez is represented by UTA and Moncada of Glamorous Trash. As for the stars, Ashley Park, celebrated for her roles in Emily in Paris, Girls5Eva, the 2024 Mean Girls reboot, Only Murders in the Building, Beef, and Joyride, is repped by CAA and Jackoway Austen. Leighton Meester, iconic from Gossip Girl and Single Parents, with recent credits in EXmas and a fresh take on The River Wild, plus upcoming appearances in Rachel Sennott’s HBO series I Love LA and season two of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This, is handled by UTA. Taylor John Smith, who has dazzled in A24’s Warfare, Sony’s Where the Crawdads Sing, and HBO’s Sharp Objects, is represented by CAA and Joey Stanton of Vybe Trybe.
Sparking Debate: Is Basic Too 'Real' for Comfort? Now, here's a bold take that might ruffle some feathers: In a world where 'basic' has become a loaded term—often used to dismiss mainstream tastes or behaviors—does this film reinforce stereotypes, or does it cleverly subvert them by showing how everyone, from the most 'influencer' types to the everyday folks, grapples with insecurity? It's controversial, isn't it? On one hand, it highlights the toxicity of social media's role in breakups, but on the other, it could be seen as glorifying obsessive behavior. What do you think—does delving into an ex's past help heal, or does it just prolong the pain? Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you ever gone down a similar rabbit hole after a breakup, and would you say this film nails the absurdity of it all? Do you agree that 'basic' exes are the universal villain, or is there a counterpoint we're missing? Let's discuss!**
