Draft:Breakup Season
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|  |
| Breakup Season | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | H. Nelson Tracey |
| Written by | H. Nelson Tracey |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Eric Macey |
| Edited by |
|
Production company | Static Films |
Release date |
|
Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Breakup Season is a 2024 American independent romantic dramedy film written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey. The film stars Chandler Riggs, Samantha Isler, and James Urbaniak, and follows a young couple whose holiday visit to a rural Oregon hometown unravels after a sudden breakup. It was filmed on location in La Grande, Oregon, and features a tight-knit ensemble cast. The film premiered in March 2024 and went on to screen at 39 film festivals, winning 33 awards, before being released in limited theaters on November 15, 2024, and on VOD platforms and AVOD services worldwide beginning in December 2024.[1]
Premise
[edit]When a young man brings his girlfriend to his small Oregon hometown for the holidays, a late-night argument leads to an unexpected breakup. With winter weather and holiday family obligations keeping them stranded together, tensions mount as they navigate unresolved feelings, awkward interactions, and clashing expectations.
Cast
[edit]- Chandler Riggs as Ben
- Samantha Isler as Cassie
- James Urbaniak as Kirby
- Brook Hogan as Mia
- Carly Stewart as Liz
- Jacob Wysocki as Gordon
- Kailey Rhodes as Cristina
Development
[edit]Breakup Season was developed through the Filmmaker Residency program at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival, which provided writer-director H. Nelson Tracey with time and resources to refine the screenplay. The script evolved through live readings and local engagement, forming the foundation for the film's emotional and geographic setting.[2]
Production
[edit]Principal photography took place in February 2023 in La Grande, Oregon. Local community members participated as extras and provided logistical support. The production was featured in local coverage for its positive impact on the community.[3]
Release
[edit]Festival circuit
[edit]Breakup Season screened at 39 film festivals between 2024 and 2025, earning 33 awards. Notable selections included:
- Desertscape International Film Festival (St. George, UT; March 2024): World premiere; awarded Best Picture, Best Ensemble, Best Actress, and Audience Choice.[4]
- Eastern Oregon Film Festival (La Grande, OR; October 2024): Standing ovation and Audience Choice Award; coincided with Oregon Film Trail marker unveiling.[5]
- Port Townsend Film Festival (WA; October 2024): Won the Jury Award.[6]
- Circle Cinema Film Festival (Tulsa, OK; July 2024): Oklahoma premiere and Oklahoma Walk-of-Fame induction for Samantha Isler.[7]
- Newport Beach Film Festival (CA; October 2024): California premiere.
- Waco Independent Film Festival (TX; July 2024): Won Best Feature and Best Performance in a Feature (Chandler Riggs).[8]
Additional film festival appearances included Julien Dubuque,[9] RiverRun,[10] Phoenixville,[11] Gig Harbor, Hell's Half Mile, Richmond, and Coronado Island film festivals.
Denver premiere
[edit]Breakup Season had its Denver hometown premiere at the Esquire Theatre on June 19, 2025. The screening was one of the final public events at the historic 97-year-old venue before its closure and was covered by several local news outlets for its sentimental resonance and sold-out audience.[12]
Theatrical release
[edit]Breakup Season had its Los Angeles premiere on November 14, 2024, at the Laemmle NoHo 7, where it played to a sold-out crowd. The film was released theatrically in 18 U.S. cities beginning November 15, 2024.[13]
Home media
[edit]The film was released on digital platforms (Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play) in December 2024 via distributor Buffalo 8. It became available to stream for free on Tubi and Plex in March 2025.[14]
Reception
[edit]Breakup Season received positive reviews for its emotional honesty, lead performances, and subtle subversion of romantic comedy tropes. Critics praised Chandler Riggs and Samantha Isler's chemistry, as well as the wintry cinematography and grounded storytelling. Outlets including Collider,[15] OregonLive,[16] and Loud and Clear Reviews[17] highlighted its character-driven narrative and restrained tone.
Oregon Film Trail
[edit]In October 2024, La Grande was added to the Oregon Film Trail in recognition of Breakup Season. The trail marker honors the film's connection to the area and celebrates its contributions to Oregon's film history.[18]
References
[edit]- ^ "Breakup Season Review". Collider. 2024-12-20.
- ^ "A La Grande Old Time". Oregon ArtsWatch. 2024-10-24.
- ^ "Community lauded for its assistance in the filming of 'Breakup Season'". La Grande Observer. 2023-02-26.
- ^ "Desertscape Film Festival Highlights". The Independent. 2024-03-25.
- ^ "New Sign Unveiled in La Grande Enhancing the Eastern Loop of the Oregon Film Trail". Oregon Confluence. 2024-10-19.
- ^ "Port Townsend Film Festival 2024". PTFF.
- ^ "Breakup Season Review". Collider. 5 December 2024.
- ^ "Breakup Season Leads Honors at Waco Indie Film Festival". Films Gone Wild. 2024-07-30.
- ^ "Breakup Season screens at Julien Dubuque Film Festival". Telegraph Herald. 2024-05-05.
- ^ "Breakup Season – RiverRun International Film Festival". RiverRun. 20 March 2024.
- ^ "2024 Lineup". Phoenixville Film Festival.
- ^ "Time Warp director returns to fated Esquire of his youth". Denver Gazette. 2025-05-24.
- ^ "Breakup Season (2024)". Box Office Mojo.
- ^ "Unhappy Boo: Boulder Director Launches Breakup Season on Streaming". About Boulder. 2025-03-01.
- ^ "Breakup Season Review". Collider. 5 December 2024.
- ^ "Oregon-connected entertainment that made audiences laugh, scream, and listen in 2024". The Oregonian. 23 December 2024.
- ^ "Breakup Season Review: Wintry Realism and Romance". Loud and Clear Reviews. 2024-12-28.
- ^ "New Sign Unveiled in La Grande Enhancing the Eastern Loop of the Oregon Film Trail". Oregon Confluence. 2024-10-19.