The cast and creator of You’re Dating A Narcissist break down toxic love, red flags, and the film’s biggest twists in our exclusive interviews.
You’re Dating A Narcissist offers a fresh and engaging take on the romantic comedy genre, blending sharp humor with an honest exploration of toxic relationships. The film follows an outspoken psychologist who rushes to Los Angeles with her best friend to stop her daughter’s wedding, convinced the groom is a narcissist. What unfolds is a layered story about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, as three women at different stages of their lives navigate relationships that challenge their understanding of trust and emotional vulnerability.
Mama’s Geeky spoke with Sherry Cola, who plays Diane, as well as co-writer and director Ann Marie Allison, and stars Ciara Bravo and Marco Pigossi, who portray Eva and Theo. During our conversations, they discussed everything from the real-life inspiration behind the story to the importance of representation, improvisation on set, and the film’s unexpected twists.
Sherry Cola on Diane’s Journey & Finding Humor in Heartbreak
Sherry Cola’s Diane brings both comedic energy and emotional depth to the film, offering a perspective on heartbreak that feels both relatable and empowering. For Cola, Diane’s arc is one of growth and resilience.
“The topic of heartbreak could not be more relatable,” she explains. “Just feeling like you’re at rock bottom… and then that reminder that this too shall pass.”
A major strength of the film lies in its portrayal of female friendships, something Cola was particularly drawn to. Diane’s relationship with her friends reflects the many roles women play in each other’s lives – support systems, truth-tellers, and sources of strength during difficult times.
“As women, we play so many roles for each other,” Cola says. “At the end of the day, a lot of us, all we have is our female friendships.”
Cola also embraced the opportunity to bring her comedic instincts to the role, revealing that director Ann Marie Allison encouraged improvisation on set. “Anne-Marie definitely gave us the liberty to play,” she shares. “One line I improvised was asking if they could put sparkling water in the bidet. It’s so stupid – but hilarious.”
Ann Marie Allison on Real-Life Inspiration & Telling an Honest Story
For Ann Marie Allison, the story behind You’re Dating A Narcissist is deeply personal. The idea for the film came from her own experiences and a desire to better understand the patterns of narcissistic relationships.
“I dated a narcissist in my 20s,” Allison reveals. “I never really understood what had happened to me until years later… and it was like a light bulb went off.”
That realization became the foundation for a story that aims to both entertain and inform. Allison wanted to depict narcissism in a way that goes beyond stereotypes, showing the subtle and often confusing behaviors that can define these relationships.
“That’s the hope,” she says of the film’s impact. “That people might watch this and think, ‘Should I take a second glance at my relationship?’”
In crafting the film, Allison also made it a priority to include a range of perspectives, ensuring that audiences could see themselves reflected in the characters.
“I wanted to make sure people felt they could see themselves on screen,” she explains. “It happens to everybody.”
Ciara Bravo & Marco Pigossi on Building a Complex Relationship
At the center of the film is the relationship between Eva and Theo, played by Ciara Bravo and Marco Pigossi. Their dynamic is intentionally layered, keeping audiences guessing about the true nature of their connection.
For Bravo, the strength of the script made it easy to step into the role. “The script was so well written,” she says. “Working with Marco, everything felt very real.”
Pigossi echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their performances. “We just had to play with it and find the best way to do it,” he explains. “It was a beautiful process.”
One of the film’s defining elements is its ability to keep viewers uncertain about who to trust. Pigossi notes that this ambiguity is central to both the story and his approach as an actor.
“You don’t really know who is who in that story,” he says. “And playing with that as an actor is a lot of fun.”
Despite the emotional twists and turns, Bravo highlights the heart at the core of the film. “Despite everything that happens, it’s still such a heartwarming story about love,” she says.
For more from Sherry Cola, Ann Marie Allison, Ciara Bravo, and Marco Pigossi, including deeper insights into their characters, behind-the-scenes stories, and discussions about relationship red flags, be sure to watch the full video interview.
About You’re Dating A Narcissist
A psychology professor who has a knack for spotting narcissists flies across the country to prove that the man her daughter is marrying is a fraud.
You’re Dating A Narcissist will be released in theaters on March 27.
