Author: Jorge Perez
Rediscovering Dreams: The Story Behind Magic Hour
What would it mean to live life stuck in the same routine, never chasing your dreams for fear of failure? Magic Hour explores this question through the journey of Harriet (Miriam Shor), a wife and mother caught in a rut. Her husband, Bob (Josh Stamberg), is cheating on her, her daughter dismisses her as a pushover, and Harriet has long abandoned her dream of being a filmmaker. Instead, she has spent 20 years working in marketing, feeling like a doormat in both her personal and professional life.
One night, during a dinner with Bob, Harriet’s world is upended when he asks for a divorce. At rock bottom, she boldly decides to quit her job and re-enroll in film school. But diving back into filmmaking comes with unexpected challenges, forcing her to confront whether her ambition is just a fantasy or a dream worth saving.
A Story Rooted in Real Life
Magic Hour is loosely inspired by writer-director Jacqueline Christy‘s own experience. I had the opportunity to inquire more from Christy in a recent interview, along with lead actors Shor and Stamberg.
“In my 40s, I went to film school, reclaiming a long-lost dream of being a filmmaker,” Christy shared. “The only part that’s true is going to film school in my 40s—the rest, I completely made up.”
The film delves into the struggles of late-in-life career changes, self-worth, and the courage to pursue passions despite societal expectations. The characters evolve in compelling and relatable ways, particularly Harriet.
“It’s really painful to see that in yourself—to see the parts of you that would give up and think you don’t have value,” Shor explained. “Harriet struggles with a lot of things we all do.”
Christy added, “I usually relate to the lead character because she’s a personification of all my insecurities. She’s riddled with imperfections and insecurities, both internal and from the world around her.”
Interestingly, Bob, despite his infidelity and financial betrayal, isn’t entirely villainous. While his actions are unquestionably selfish, he still shows kindness to Harriet during her lowest moments, adding depth to his character.
The Role of Mental Health in Filmmaking
Beyond storytelling, Magic Hour highlights the importance of mental health, especially in high-pressure creative industries. The cast and director shared their personal approaches to handling stress and burnout.
“You surround yourself with people who value who you are, not just what you do,” Shor advised.
Stamberg added, “Anxiety is something we all experience—it’s part of the human condition. But surrounding yourself with love, getting exercise, and feeding your soul with good movies, books, and music can make a difference.”
Christy agreed: “Mental health is important at all times, but especially now. I hope this film affirms people’s sense of the value of their own voice—whether as a filmmaker or in pursuing another dream.”
A Story That Inspires
Magic Hour is beautifully crafted, blending heartfelt storytelling with moments of humor. It’s a film that encourages viewers to take risks, embrace reinvention, and go after their dreams—no matter their age.
With standout performances and a powerful message, Magic Hour reminds us that it’s never too late to chase what truly matters.
What dreams have you put on hold and what do you need to do to achieve them now? Share with us in the comments! Magic Hour is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your passion—catch a screening and let us know what you think. And if you believe in the power of media for mental health, consider supporting Geek Therapy by donating here: https://geektherapy.org/ways-to-donate/