Cooper Raiff returns to Sundance two years after the successful premiere of Cha Cha Real Smooth, which received outstanding reviews and secured the Audience Award. This year, he presents Hal & Harper, a multi-decade narrative that explores a family's process of grieving and adapting to life's challenges. In this project, Cooper assumes multiple roles; he not only portrays Hal but also takes on the responsibilities of writing, directing, editing, and co-producing the eight-episode series.

Before the festival, Cooper engaged in an exclusive interview with HT, discussing the creative process behind the show, his affection for the characters, his evolution as a filmmaker, and his strong aversion to the series Euphoria.

On making Hal & Harper

Cooper shares during a Zoom conversation, “I have been engaged with these characters for approximately seven years. I have developed a deep affection for them and their families. They occupy my thoughts consistently, and while they are not directly inspired by individuals I know, discovering them felt serendipitous, akin to finding them unexpectedly. Hal, Harper, and their experiences are not reflective of my own life; it seems as though they simply appeared before me. I was eager to narrate their story accurately.”

When asked if he always envisioned this project as a series rather than a film, he responds without hesitation, “Yes, I did. My initial desire was for it to be a movie. I believe that creating films is less complex than producing television. However, this narrative was inherently suited for a television format, as it required an in-depth exploration of these three characters and their familial backgrounds. I recognized that a full series was necessary to thoroughly delve into their stories. It was always intended to be a television show, even though I had hoped otherwise.”

On wanting to tell stories about a 'specific thing'

Throughout his two feature films, S**thouse and Cha Cha Real Smooth, Cooper has established a unique platform to explore narratives centred on young individuals, particularly emphasizing the absence of a singular narrative regarding the complexities of growing up. Cooper reflects on this notion, stating, “Indeed, I consistently aim to convey a very particular message. In Hal & Harper, the focus was on a house that has endured significant pain, and the eldest daughter who has borne the weight of responsibility for the two men in her life for an extended period. Each of my projects aspires to communicate something distinct and deeply emotional. My approach to storytelling is to anchor these narratives as firmly as possible in reality, even when adults portray children. I strive to evoke humour and emotion, ensuring that the experiences depicted are as profound and resonant as possible.”

In Hal & Harper, the adult characters revisit their childhood by portraying themselves as younger versions, experiencing their school days in reverse. Cooper elaborates on this narrative choice, explaining, “This concept originated seven years ago, revolving around two children who mature too quickly due to their mother's absence and their father's emotional withdrawal. They were essentially left to fend for themselves, with a house providing the semblance of parental oversight, preventing CPS from intervening (smiles). Harper assumes a maternal role, while both struggle to embrace their childhood. I aimed to visually represent this dynamic by having characters who are significantly taller than their peers, yet I also wanted to capture their childlike essence in certain moments… Hal embodies this more than Harper, who, for the most part, does not seem like a child, except in those fleeting moments, which I cherish.”

He elaborates, stating that the portrayal of adults playing children serves two primary purposes. Firstly, it illustrates the concept of growing up too quickly. Secondly, it provides an emotional foundation for understanding how this particular year in their lives contributed to the development of co-dependent relationships with those around them. To grasp this, it is essential to comprehend the events of that year, which is why the narrative incorporates three distinct timelines.

On working with the cast

Hal & Harper has successfully gathered an impressive cast, featuring Mark Ruffalo and Lili Reinhart in leading roles. Reflecting on the collaborative process of filming the series, Cooper remarks, "Every actor was eager to engage in rehearsals, yet we didn't conduct many. It's amusing because I had wished to rehearse during the first two films, but there was little interest. I assumed that enthusiasm would be lacking again, but to my surprise, everyone was quite willing. We did have some read-throughs of scenes, but primarily, it involved Mark, Lili, and myself spending considerable time together before filming. We shared dinners and socialized… Lili and I even took a four-day trip! Additionally, I rehearsed certain scenes with Chris [Christopher Meyer], who portrays Hal's friend. I also spent significant time discussing our characters with Betty [Gilpin]. Betty even created an extensive document detailing her interpretation of Kate in the first person. The level of preparation was beyond what I anticipated, yet it proved to be immensely beneficial and touching to witness everyone’s dedication to the characters within this narrative.

When asked if Cooper would consider collaborating with another director or directing a script he has not authored, he responds, “It is amusing that I haven't pursued this before. I have attempted a few times to discover a story that captivates me, followed by rewriting it… My greatest passion lies in identifying a narrative that resonates with me and exploring its deeper meanings. My goal is not necessarily to impose my voice but to align it with the intended direction of the script. This is also the essence of directing. I would be interested in directing a story that does not originate from my own experiences. The most fulfilling aspect of writing and directing is guiding a project to a specific point. It holds significant meaning when it stems from my creativity, and I believe it can be equally meaningful in different ways when I have the opportunity to work on someone else's narrative. I find that this distance provides a certain freedom that allows for a more restful night’s sleep.”

Why he hates Euphoria and loves Normal People

When he is not engaged as a writer or director and simply experiences material as a viewer, he has strong opinions regarding the representation of young individuals. He reflects on whether there are any recent films or shows that he has encountered that do not resonate with him.

"That is an excellent question," he responds. "I have a strong aversion to Euphoria, the HBO series featuring Zendaya, which is set to return for a third season. I believe there should be a greater emphasis on narratives that contrast with Euphoria. In general, whether the subjects are young or old, stories ought to convey meaningful messages. I find it perplexing that works are created without any substantive content. This truly frustrates me."

He continues, "I enjoy watching content that aims to evoke emotions beyond mere fear or entertainment. (smiles) As an audience member, I strive to avoid feeling like a passive observer. There was a period when I found myself questioning the state of the world, wondering why this was the art we were consuming. I have encountered numerous remarkable films and television series; for instance, Normal People, which features Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones and was released in 2020, stands as my all-time favourite show. Based on Sally Rooney's novel, the adaptation captured the essence of the story beautifully. It conveyed profound messages, and I wish there were more productions akin to Normal People."

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