Filming has officially begun for Wendy Jo Carlton’s highly anticipated independent feature Lucy is a Loser, exploring the healing power of weirdness, music, and human connection. Set in the vibrant streets and neighborhoods of Chicago, the film promises to be a heartwarming and humorous journey about redemption, self-discovery, and the complexities of life.
The film follows the story of Lucy Gatlin, a 36-year-old queer drummer who has hit rock bottom after drinking her way out of a successful rock band. Now living in her friend’s garage, Lucy is in recovery and struggling to get her life back on track.
Things take a turn when she learns that her late aunt has left her a mysterious inheritance. Forced to return to her Michigan hometown, Lucy embarks on a tumultuous journey to face her past demons, reconnect with old friends, and avoid past lovers—all while trying to stay sober and rediscover her mojo.
As Lucy no longer has a driver’s license, she hitches a ride with Eva, an impulsive artist with a crush on her. The two make their way to Michigan, setting the stage for a road trip full of emotional highs, lows, and unexpected discoveries.
Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of Lucy are a veritable buffet of local Chicago talent. Actors Emily Lape and Annie Bayliss portray Lucy and Connie, longtime friends whose relationship becomes central to the story’s emotional core.
Jac Tuchman plays Eva, Lucy’s eccentric and crush-prone ride companion. Mira Kessler stars as Georgia, the ex-lover Lucy betrayed, while Meir Steinberg takes on the role of Charlie, Lucy’s high school friend and former bandmate.
The film’s cinematography is in the capable hands of Daniel Kullman, a regional Emmy winner known for his commercial and documentary work through his production company, Bitter Jester. Filming locations include Chicago’s Mayfair, Edgewater, West Town, Highland Park, and Wilmette Beachfront, bringing the city’s character to life.
Executive Producers Anne T. Hanson, Kara Costa, and Wendy Jo Carlton bring the project together, with Clare Cooney overseeing casting for this production.
Carlton Shares Her Vision
For Carlton, Lucy is a Loser is a deeply personal project, one that has faced numerous challenges, including the pandemic, family losses, and personal betrayals. “This has been the most challenging indie feature of my career,” Carlton shared. “I wish I was sick of trying to pull this off at a high level of craft, but I’m not.”
Carlton, known for her groundbreaking LGBTQ films, continues to push boundaries with this project, noting the difficulties of creating a transgressive feminist film on a micro-budget. “Love is also for losers. And losers run this joint,” she added, capturing the rebellious spirit of the film.
Carlton’s previous works include Hannah Free (2009), Jamie and Jessie are Not Together—hailed as the first lesbian rom-com musical—and Good Kisser, which premiered on Netflix, Hulu, and is now available on AppleTV and Amazon Prime.
She also produced the award-winning documentary Circus of Books on Netflix and her popular web series Easy Abby, which garnered over 100 million views.
Industry Recognition
Lucy is a Loser is one of five feature films selected to participate in the 2024 Chicago International Film Festival’s CIX: Lab, which supports innovative and original storytelling. The film has also partnered with Full Spectrum Features for post-production and festival consultation.
As filming gets underway, fans and film enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the release of Carlton’s latest work, which promises to deliver her signature mix of wit, heart, and LGBTQ representation.
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Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on X at @colinthewriter1
