Guy Nattiv and actress Carrie Coon sat down with Deadline’s Contenders London team to talk about their new feature, The Liberation, which is set to arrive in U.S. theaters in January through Bleecker Street. The film, a deeply personal tale inspired by real events from Nattiv’s grandmother, follows Rita, a woman in the early 1980s who struggles with depression and the weight of her past.

During the interview, Nattiv explained how the story grew out of family memories and a desire to explore the complex emotions that accompany healing. He emphasized that the narrative is not a prescription for recovery but an invitation to examine “who we are to say what is required for someone to move on?” The conversation highlighted how the director’s own experiences shaped the film’s tone and character arcs, while Coon shared her approach to portraying Rita’s vulnerability and resilience.

The Contenders London event, a gathering of emerging filmmakers and industry professionals, provided a platform for Nattiv and Coon to discuss the creative choices behind the movie’s visual style, period detail, and soundtrack. They also touched on the challenges of translating personal history to the screen and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Audience members noted the film’s potential to resonate with viewers who have faced similar struggles in the past.

As the U.S. release approaches, the pair remain optimistic about the film’s reception. Both Nattiv and Coon are hopeful that The Liberation will spark conversations about mental health and the ways we support one another in the 1980s and beyond. They also hinted at future projects that will continue to blend personal history with broader social themes.