“I’ve always been fascinated with this idea that we’re rooting for people who are doing bad things”: Keir O’Donnell on Marmalade

This romantic heist drama Marmalade, written by Keir O’Donnell, marks his directorial debut as he brings to screen a quirky yet relatable story about trauma, survival and love. These layers are underpinned with slivers of left-field comedy and moments of surrealism, which are beautifully orchestrated by the two leads, Joe Keery in an offbeat role as Baron, and his chaotic girlfriend Marmalade (Camila Morrone).

When a small-town teen meets the girl of his dreams by chance one day, his mundane world is turned upside down. She offers him the chance to provide financial security for his ailing mother and start a new life with her, but the two have to commit numerous robberies to sustain this. Naturally, things go awry and take a spectacular downward turn when Baron ends up in prison for the crimes, gripped with the desperate hope of escape and the chance to be reunited with his lover.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to O’Donnell about what viewers can expect from the movie, the different themes that run through it and the collaborative process with both the actors and the cinematographer that helped bring the story to life.

Ezelle Alblas

Marmalade is released digitally on demand on 12^th February 2024.

Watch a clip from Marmalade here: