Last Thursday, April 16, the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival transformed the Lightbox into a masterclass in chaotic freshman energy with an advanced screening of Roommates. While the latest feature from Canadian director Chandler Levack (I Like Movies, Mile End Kicks) nails the specific, cringe-including claustrophobia of dorm life, the screening confirmed that the film’s real secret weapon is a cast list that reads like a brilliant fever dream.
Beyond the lead performances by Sadie Sandler (Happy Gilmore 2)and Chloe East (Heretic), the film – which hit Netflix on April 17 – is packed with “how did they get them?” moments. Between a scene-stealing turn from Steve Buscemi and, supporting SNL players, and a hilarious appearance by Megan Thee Stallion, Levack has managed to turn a story about twin XL beds and bad decisions into a star-studded event.
Following the screening Levack and Canadian star Billy Bryk joined a virtual Q&A to deconstruct the making of the film. Here are the highlights from that conversation:
The Sadie Sandler Factor
While Sandler anchors the film as the introverted, architecture-obsessed Devon, her influence extended far beyond her performance. Levack revealed that Sandler actually served as an associate music producer, curating the film’s “mixtape” soundtrack from her own personal playlists. The result is a savvy collection of needle drops – including Alex G and Blood Orange – that Levack says were designed to reflect the authentic sonic landscape of modern college life.
Subverting the “Manic Pixie Dream Boyfriend”
Bryk, who plays Devon’s love interest Michael, discussed the film’s clever subversion of rom-com tropes. Rather than a standard leading man, Michael is framed as a “manic pixie dream boyfriend for a normal girl” – he’s funny, he can “cook a little bit,” and he seems aspirational until the red flags start flying. Bryk noted that the character’s “quirky” façade eventually gives way to a less-than-sweet reality, complete with the realization that he lives in a “frisbee frat house” and moonlights as a school mascot.
Capturing the “Dorm Anxiety”
Levack described the film’s unique tone as an exploration of social claustrophobia. This tension is most evident in the score by composers Hays and Ryan Holladay (Weapons, Resident Evil), which was intentionally infused with elements of anxiety to elevate the comedy and mirror the frantic, high-stakes feeling of trying to make friends in a new environment.
No Easy Resolutions
One of the film’s most refreshing choices is its refusal to grant Devon and her roommate Celeste (East) a traditional “make-up” scene. Bryk and Levack discussed how the script, penned by Saturday Night Live’s Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan, avoids the “everyone learns a lesson” cliché in favour of a more chaotic, realistic ending.
Roommates is now streaming on Netflix. If you’re looking for a film that validates your worst freshman-year paranoia – while featuring a legendary supporting cast including Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll and Carol Kane – this is your next watch.
The TIFF Next Wave Film Festival continues its mission of bringing bold, international cinema to Toronto every spring. Curated by a committee of 12 teens for a new generation of film lovers, the event features more than just screenings – it’s a hub for industry workshops, short film showcases, and a high-stakes 48-hour film challenge.
