Ian Edlund Breaks Down His Role in This Closeness

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

This Closeness | Factory 25

After making its buzz-worthy debut at SXSW in 2023, the tense, claustrophobic relationship drama titled This Closeness has officially hit theaters via IFC — which will also be available to stream exclusively on MUBI starting in July. And after witnessing this new unfiltered perspective on the challenges of navigating relationships during one's twenties (both socially, and romantically), it’s clear that this film is an entirely thought-provoking piece that’s handled with the utmost care.

Among the standout cast of fresh faces includes star Ian Edlund, effectively portraying a lonely, introverted man named Adam who’s renting out a room to a couple visiting Philadelphia for a high school reunion. Edlund’s exceptional acting prowess truly stands out in the film as he immerses himself in the meticulously developed character who descends into a solitary and alienated world, leaving viewers impressed by his genuine interpretation of a distinctive personality.

Now, after getting to unpack each of the offerings of this quirky, cinematic journey — we’re chatting with the film’s talented actor about his response to the project, its production process, and stepping into this peculiar character’s state of mind.

Congratulations on the release of the film, and for perfectly bringing this layered character to life! How would you describe Adam and his journey throughout this story?

Ian Edlund: Thanks so much! Adam starts the film at a pivotal moment in his life. He’s searching for something to break him out of this rut he has found himself in and we see him on that journey. He has become something he doesn’t quite recognize and is lacking the tools to find his way out or a direction in which to start that process. I think we see throughout the film that he has a desperate need to be loved. 

Was there something about the role that initially piqued your interest? 

Ian Edlund: The audition was sent to me by a dear friend whose opinion I value deeply so there was an immediate trust from that. When I first read the script, I was most struck by the love and the grace [writer and director] Kit showed this character. I could tell it was coming from a place of true compassion and that gave me a lot of confidence in her perspective on the story.

You definitely bring a sense of vulnerability and sincerity to the film, which requires a lot of range as an actor! How did you hope to approach the nuances of Adam's loneliness and desire for connection?

Ian Edlund: I thought a lot about when loneliness becomes normal or even comfortable in a way. I think Adam is more self-aware than some people might think, but the loneliness has just overtaken him in a way that is difficult to overcome. 

This Closeness | Factory 25

The film requires a lot of heavy lifting emotionally, especially in regard to your role! That being said, was there a particularly challenging scene – and if so, how did you tackle it?

Ian Edlund: The script was so thorough in grounding these characters, there was a lot to work with. I first auditioned for the film in the Summer of 2020 and then we shot it in the Fall of 2022, so there was a long two years of sitting with the characters and the script. When it came time to shoot it was mostly a huge relief to let go of all of these scenes I had been thinking about for so long. 

Considering that he’s not typically inclined to engage in social interactions, how did you navigate the complexities of Adam’s contrasting feelings towards Ben and Tessa in one-on-one exchanges?

Ian Edlund: I think the dynamics really evolve as the film goes on but in Adam’s first impressions of these people, there’s a huge sense of comfort in his interactions with Tessa, it’s clear that it’s been quite a while since someone has engaged with him in the way she does. And with Ben there’s danger, he’s confirming all of his worst fears and insecurities by even the way he looks at him. 

By the time the film ends, there are also a few well-executed insinuations about the repetitious cycle that these characters are currently facing. Despite that, do you believe he’s learned anything specific from his unconventional guests? 

Ian Edlund: I think Adam feels like there is a positive change, growth, or movement of some kind from this experience, whether that is true or not is hard to say. 

In closing, what do you hope audiences will reflect on after witnessing the power struggles and emotional deep-dives embedded in This Closeness?

Ian Edlund: For me, the beauty of this film has always been the lack of judgment on any of these people. Kit does a masterful job of not telling us how we should feel, so it would seem wrong to hope or expect any type of specific reaction. I think some people will connect with aspects of what is happening, either in themselves or in things they see in others, and I’m sure some people will feel uncomfortable and want to stop spending time with these people.