Chandler Levack's Double Cinematic Debut: Two Films Launching April 17 Showcase Her Directorial Range

Director Chandler Levack is achieving a rare milestone this weekend. On April 17, audiences can see not one but two of her films premiere simultaneously: Mile End Kicks, a theatrical indie, and Roommates, a Netflix original comedy.

Both projects showcase Levack’s talent for exploring the awkward, cringe-worthy moments of youth while finding humor in life’s uncertainties. Whether it’s pursuing ambitions in a new city or asserting personal boundaries, her protagonists are imperfect heroines who learn through experience rather than perfection. This theme has defined much of her work, but these two releases demonstrate her versatility—balancing external narratives with deeply personal storytelling.

From Music Videos to Feature Films

Levack began her career in the early 2010s directing music videos. Her transition to narrative filmmaking began with the 2019 short We Forgot To Break Up, which blended her fascination with complicated relationships and music culture. The story follows a former band manager who returns after years away, having transitioned. While some old friends accept him, others resent his past absence. The film culminates in a concert that symbolizes both the music that once united them and the possibility of rekindled friendships.

Exploring Thorny Social Dynamics in I Like Movies

In 2022, Levack released I Like Movies, her feature debut. The film centers on Lawrence (Isaiah Lehtinen), a movie-obsessed teenager with outsized dreams of attending film school. His unfiltered honesty alienates those around him, including his best friend Matt (Percy Hynes White). One of the film’s most poignant scenes unfolds during a sleepover, where Lawrence casually tells Matt he’s just a “placeholder” friend until college. The moment, delivered with devastating understatement, underscores the painful lessons of early adulthood.

College Conflicts in Roommates

Levack’s latest work, Roommates, shifts focus to college life. Devon (Sadie Sandler), a social outsider, desperately seeks friendship before freshman year. She meets Celeste (Chloe East), a slightly older wildcard, and they agree to room together. From the start, their dynamic is unstable. Celeste ignores Devon’s texts, then surprises her by moving in. She pressures Devon to cover nearly all expenses, including a spring break trip to Florida. As boundaries dissolve and resentment grows, their friendship unravels in a story that resonates with anyone who’s navigated early adulthood.