Matt and Mara: Full list of cast in the movie

Matt and Mara is a 2024 drama by Canadian director Kazik Radwanski, which explores the complex relationships of a university professor named Mara, played by Deragh Campbell. Set against the academic backdrop of poetry and lectures, the film explores the intricacies of human connections through Mara’s interactions with her students, her husband, and an old friend.

As Mara struggles with the dichotomy between her professional facade and personal turmoil, the film portrays an intimate look at the challenges of fidelity and the lingering allure of what could have been.

The film weaves a compelling tapestry that highlights the everyday moments and the pivotal turning points of Mara’s life. Matt is played by Matt Johnson and Mara is by Deragh Campbell.

Reconnecting unexpectedly with Matt, an old college friend, she finds herself confronting feelings that complicate her already strained marriage to Samir, played by Mounir Al Shami. This chance encounter reignites memories and present desires, setting the stage for a profound exploration of love, identity, and the paths not taken.

---

Exploring full cast list details of Matt and Mara

The cast list of Matt and Mara includes,

1) Deragh Campbell as Mara

Canadian actress Deragh Campbell stars as Mara, the central character of Matt and Mara. Campbell has a significant presence in independent Canadian cinema, known for her immersive and emotionally resonant performances.

Her collaborations with filmmaker Sofia Bohdanowicz have been particularly noteworthy, including films like Never Eat Alone (2016), Veslemøy's Song (2018), MS Slavic 7 (2019), and Point and Line to Plane (2020), all of which have garnered international attention at various film festivals.

Campbell's role in Kazik Radwanski’s previous film, Anne at 13,000 Ft., was critically acclaimed, and won her the Jay Scott Prize from the Toronto Film Critics Association and Best Actress in a Canadian Film from the Vancouver Film Critics Circle.

In Matt and Mara, Campbell brings depth to her portrayal of a poetry professor navigating the complexities of a troubled marriage and the rekindling of an old flame, delivering a performance that is nuanced and profoundly authentic.

---

2) Matt Johnson as Matt

Matt Johnson plays Matt, an old friend from Mara's college days whose unexpected return stirs complex emotions and past memories. Johnson is recognized for his acting and also for his skills as a filmmaker, which add a rich layer of understanding to his performances.

He first gained significant recognition with his film The Dirties (2013), a project that won Best Narrative Feature at the Slamdance Film Festival. His subsequent film, Operation Avalanche (2016), premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and showcased his penchant for blending deep narrative with innovative filmmaking techniques.

His experience behind the camera informs his acting, bringing a unique depth to his role in Matt and Mara. Johnson's portrayal of Matt is complex, balancing charm and a palpable sense of nostalgia, with a subtle undercurrent of unresolved issues from his past, making his character’s dynamics with Mara rich and multi-layered.

---

Other supporting cast

The supporting cast of Matt and Mara includes,

• Simon Reynolds as Father
• Alejandro Zapico as Front Desk Agent
• Marlowe Granados as Maeve
• Jim Phu as Sean
• Ava Mattern as Shop Assistant
• Cristina Paoletta as Funeral Director
• Kinshuk Dhingra as a Creative Writing Student
• Georgia Tannis as Professor Catherine Burke
• Jack Nguyen as a Professor
• Frances Howlett
• Linda Theresa Young as a University Professor
• Mounir Al Shami as Samir

---

What is Matt and Mara about?

Matt and Mara is about the quiet yet profound battles one faces within the confines of love and loyalty. The film, centered on Mara, a poetry professor, captures her internal conflict as she juggles the responsibilities of her career and family life with the unexpected resurgence of an old flame, Matt.

The film eloquently uses the metaphor of poetic grammar which Mara teaches to parallel her need to reevaluate the structures of her own life. Through classroom discussions, intimate familial interactions, and secretive rendezvous with Matt, the movie invites viewers into Mara’s world, where every decision and its repercussions are felt deeply.

As the movie unfolds, Mara is grappling with the contrasting dynamics of her relationship with Matt and her commitment to Samir and their child. This tension culminates in a nuanced climax that doesn’t offer easy resolutions but reflects the complex realities of human relationships.

---

Interested viewers can watch Matt and Mara on MUBI.