A Night to Remember: Brooke Berman’s Ramona at Midlife Shines at Highland Park

A Night to Remember: Brooke Berman’s Ramona at Midlife Illuminates Highland Park

On the evening of February 6, 2025, Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park, IL, came alive with excitement as acclaimed writer-director Brooke Berman brought her deeply personal and award-winning feature film, Ramona at Midlife, to her hometown. This special one-night-only event drew an enthusiastic crowd for an unforgettable screening, followed by an intimate and insightful live Q&A with Berman and actor Joel de la Fuente (The Man in the High Castle, Law & Order: SVU).

An Evening of Raw and Resonant Storytelling

Ramona at Midlife, Berman’s debut feature, proved to be much more than just a film. It was a heartfelt exploration of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to reclaim one’s narrative. The story of Ramona—a single mother and former literary “It Girl” navigating the realization that her perceived failures have inspired a rising filmmaker’s latest project—resonated deeply with the audience.

The theater was filled with laughter, moments of quiet reflection, and bursts of applause as Ramona’s bittersweet, sharply funny, and deeply relatable journey unfolded onscreen. For many attendees, the film was a powerful reminder that midlife is not an ending but a beginning—a time to rediscover one’s creative potential and embrace authenticity.

A Celebration of Talent and Collaboration

Following the screening, the Q&A session with Brooke Berman and Joel de la Fuente offered the audience a behind-the-scenes look into the making of Ramona at Midlife. Berman shared the inspirations behind the film, including her own experiences and her admiration for rock-and-roll legend Patti Smith, who serves as a spiritual muse in the story.

“Patti Smith’s resilience and artistry remind us that reinvention is always possible, no matter where we are in life,” Berman remarked during the discussion.

Joel de la Fuente, who delivered a standout performance in the film, spoke about the collaborative nature of the project and the joy of working with such a talented ensemble cast. The film also features performances by Yvonne Woods, Alysia Reiner, Rosemarie DeWitt, and several other remarkable actors, including cameos by Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother) and the late Jan Leslie Harding.

A Soundtrack That Echoes the Soul

One of the evening’s highlights was the discussion about the film’s emotionally charged soundtrack. Featuring music by Elizabeth Mitchell (of cult indie band Ida), GRLwood, Leah Lankiah, Corinna Repp, and Josh Radnor, the soundtrack struck a chord with the audience, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of transformation and self-discovery.

“The music became a character in its own right,” Berman noted, “guiding Ramona’s journey and giving voice to emotions words couldn’t capture.”

A Warm Homecoming

For Brooke Berman, a North Shore native, bringing Ramona at Midlife to Highland Park was more than a screening—it was a homecoming. The evening was filled with a palpable sense of community, as friends, family, and local fans came together to celebrate her achievement.

“This film has traveled across festivals and screens, but sharing it here, with the people who’ve known me the longest, is incredibly special,” Berman shared during the Q&A.

An Acclaimed Journey

Before its screening in Highland Park, Ramona at Midlife had already made waves on the festival circuit, earning accolades at events such as Geena Davis’s Bentonville Film Festival, where it was personally introduced by Davis. It also garnered awards at the Florida Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and more, including recognition for Best Feature Film, Best Ensemble, and Audience Choice Awards.

These successes are a testament to the film’s universal appeal and its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

Audience Reflections

Attendees left the event inspired and moved, with many expressing how the film resonated with their own experiences of midlife challenges and triumphs.

“It felt like Brooke Berman was telling my story,” said one attendee. “This film reminded me that it’s never too late to redefine who you are.”

Others praised the Q&A session for providing a deeper understanding of the film’s themes and creative process. “Hearing Brooke and Joel talk about the film made it even more meaningful,” another attendee shared.

A Lasting Impact

Though the event has concluded, the impact of Ramona at Midlife lingers. Its exploration of resilience, creative power, and the fight to define one’s own story has struck a chord with viewers, leaving them inspired to embrace their own narratives with courage and authenticity.

For those who missed the screening, the film’s journey is far from over. With its festival accolades and growing acclaim, Ramona at Midlife continues to carve out its place as a significant work in independent cinema—a film that dares to tell the stories often overlooked.

A Night Worth Remembering

February 6, 2025, will be remembered as an evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration at Highland Park’s Wayfarer Theaters. Brooke Berman’s Ramona at Midlife is not just a film—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

As Berman so beautifully put it, “The antidote to invisibility is a commitment to seeing and loving ourselves—exactly as we are.” And on this unforgettable night, the audience at Wayfarer Theaters did just that.

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