The second feature from writer-directors Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman is set over five days on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Lauren Patten and Pauline Chalamet are set to star in ‘Old Mission,’ a new feature directed by Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman. The film has begun filming and features a strong supporting cast, including Kimball Farley, Carlos Valdes, and Rachel Marsh, as well as Enid Graham, Zoe Kanters, Matthew Hays, Josh Broder, and Karen Leiner. This news was reported exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter on September 16, 2026.
‘Old Mission’ marks the second feature collaboration between writer-directors Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman, following their 2023 project ‘Daddy’. The film is set over a period of five days along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, providing a picturesque backdrop for the story. The narrative follows a woman, portrayed by Lauren Patten, who reunites with her close circle of friends at a lake house just days before she plans to return home to care for her mother, who has recently experienced a mental health crisis.
According to the film’s synopsis, what begins as a vacation quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of long-buried emotions and complicated personal histories among the friends. The characters face unresolved feelings and the stark contrast between the lives they intended to lead and the realities they confront, compelling viewers to engage with their emotional journeys.
Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman will not only direct ‘Old Mission’ but will also produce the film under their TWNSHP production banner. Producers Yunus Church and Nate Nemon join them, while Jameson Tamblyn serves as an executive producer. Erica Hart has been appointed to handle the film's casting, which aims to blend both established talent and emerging actors, highlighting the dynamic nature of the cast and their performances.
The casting of Lauren Patten and Pauline Chalamet is particularly significant for audiences familiar with their prior performances. Patten is acclaimed for her roles in productions like Off Campus and Becky Shaw, whereas Chalamet has gained recognition for her performances in The Sex Lives of College Girls and her highly anticipated role in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Both actors bring a compelling energy to the film, enhancing its appeal to viewers seeking rich, character-driven narratives.
Filming for ‘Old Mission’ started earlier this month and is expected to wrap soon. This ambitious project from Kelley and Sherman is targeted at audiences interested in nuanced explorations of personal relationships. As of now, details surrounding the film's release timing and marketing strategies have yet to be disclosed, leaving fans eager for updates regarding distribution and a potential release date.
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What this means is that ‘Old Mission’ stands as another ambitious endeavor from Kelley and Sherman, likely to appeal to audiences craving character-driven stories and a deeper understanding of friendships tested by time and circumstances.
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