Romantic comedies are making a comeback—but not the kind where impossibly perfect 20-somethings fall in love at first sight. Instead, Mr. Mortifying brings us a story about second chances, awkward dating, and the chaos of falling in love when you thought you were past all that.
This sharp, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud film comes from award-winning filmmaker Elena Kovalenko, known for her visually dynamic and character-driven storytelling. After an extensive search—reading through 75 scripts—Elena knew she had found something special in Mr. Mortifying… or maybe Mr. Mortifying found her. Like any good rom-com, it was fate: a perfect match between a filmmaker in search of the right story, a witty and unexpectedly moving script by Harrison Lebowitz – proves love is never simple—but it’s always worth the risk.
Now, as the film gears up for production in late 2025 in Los Angeles, California, Elena shares her vision for the project, the magic behind the story, and why this film is exactly what audiences need right now.
Q&A with Director and Co-Producer Elena Kovalenko
Q: What makes Mr. Mortifying different from other romantic comedies?
EK: It’s real. Too many rom-coms focus on perfect people falling in love under perfect circumstances. But love—especially later in life—is messy, complicated, and full of second-guessing. This film embraces that awkwardness in a way that feels refreshing and, most importantly, genuinely funny.
The story follows Bruce Mortimer (49), a never-married Jewish stand-up comic, and Laura Martinez (45), a twice-divorced Spanish teacher with two teenage daughters. They meet on Tinder, and against all odds, there’s a spark. But when Bruce suddenly needs a new place to live, they strike a deal: Bruce moves in, agreeing to keep their relationship a secret. What could possibly go wrong?
Q: You read through 75 scripts before choosing this one. What made Mr. Mortifying stand out?
EK: When you read that many scripts, you start seeing the same stories over and over. But this one had a spark. The humor was sharp, and the characters had real depth—flawed but lovable, making the story both relatable and fresh. It had that rare balance of laugh-out-loud comedy and genuine emotional weight. I knew immediately: this was the one. It was the kind of movie that makes me laugh, and most importantly, the kind I’d actually want to watch on a weekend—to relax and enjoy.
These days, if you open a streaming platform, it’s wall-to-wall thrillers, true crime, and documentaries about impending doom – as if the news alone nowadays isn’t doing enough to keep your heart rate up.
Where are the smart, feel-good comedies? The kind of films that let you laugh, escape, and actually enjoy yourself? I want to see more lighthearted, kind, and genuinely uplifting films—stories that remind us it’s okay to laugh, embrace the absurd, and find joy in the chaos of life. That’s the kind of movie I want to make, and Mr. Mortifying is exactly that.
Q: What excites you most about bringing Mr. Mortifying to life on screen? How do you envision this film?
EK: At its core, Mr. Mortifying reminds us that no matter how old we get, we never truly stop growing up, making mistakes, or trying to figure things out. Life is messy, love is complicated, and sometimes incredibly awkward—but that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
I imagine this film stylistically as something bright and witty, with the playful energy of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel but grounded in a modern-day setting. It’s humorous, vibrant, and visually dynamic—a film that lifts your spirits from the first scene.
Romantic comedies are important. They’re like emotional comfort food—they reconnect us with our sense of humor, optimism, and empathy. They remind us to keep believing in love, no matter how many times we’ve been hurt. Films like Mr. Mortifying encourage us to approach life with a lighter heart, reminding us how essential laughter and joy truly are.
Q: Why was filming the proof of concept important for you as a director and co-producer, and did it influence your approach to the feature film?
EK: I wanted to test the chemistry, nail down the comedic timing, and refine the overall tone of the film. The proof of concept was actually shot in Ukraine, which turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It had been over 13 years since I last filmed there, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
But the shoot quickly became something special. In just two weeks of intense prep, we managed to find all the ideal locations, assemble a fantastic cast, hold rehearsals, and build an incredible crew some of whom I knew from my film-school days, along with new, talented collaborators. Seeing firsthand how far the Ukrainian filmmaking community has come was a particularly special experience for me.
We completed the shoot over three intense and inspiring days. Filming this teaser was crucial—not only to confirm my creative vision but also to showcase the style, colors, and emotional tone we’re aiming for in the feature. It has also become an invaluable tool to attract the right collaborators and cast with some exciting names already on board.
I genuinely can’t wait to expand Mr. Mortifying into a full-length feature.
Check out behind-the-scenes here:
Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this film?
EK: Joy. I want audiences to walk away from Mr. Mortifying feeling genuinely uplifted—to see that love can surprise us at any age, and that being a little awkward is perfectly okay. Just like our main character – Bruce, who easily laughs at himself, never seeks anyone’s approval and doesn’t take life too seriously.
I want people to watch this movie and be reminded that some of the best relationships come from unexpected places and sometimes, all we really need is a good laugh. We have plenty of serious content around us, and while those stories matter, films like this are a refreshing reminder that laughter and joy are just as important.
Meet the Minds Behind the Film
Q: Tell us about the creative team behind Mr. Mortifying and how this collaboration is shaping up.
EK: Great films are always built on great collaborations, and we’ve truly assembled a dream team for Mr. Mortifying. It all started with Harrison Lebowitz’s brilliant script—a smart, hilarious story with irresistible characters that captured my attention immediately. As a director, I felt deeply connected to the main characters and knew I had to bring them to life.
When I met our producer, Randy Charach at the American Film Market (AFM), we instantly clicked. Randy’s incredible passion for storytelling, paired with his extensive experience as a producer, made him the perfect partner to join the project. He immediately understood the film’s vision, humor, and the emotional depth that sets it apart. Our creative synergy has propelled the project forward, bringing an exciting new dimension to the film’s development.
We also have a remarkable cast already attached—actors whose talent and comedic timing are perfect for the sharp, playful energy of Mr. Mortifying. While I can’t reveal the details just yet, I promise you’ll be as excited as we are when we announce who will bring these characters to life.
Coming Soon – Don’t Miss It!
With an incredible cast soon to be revealed, a witty and heartfelt script by Harrison Lebowitz, and a director passionate about bringing Mr. Mortifying to life, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and plenty of hilarious and mortifying moments!
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