By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Niki Byrne
Starring: Chase Infiniti | Christopher Briney | Gillian Anderson | Jason Isaacs | Nina Hoss
Year: 2026
Running time: 112
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21154812/
Michael says: “Niki Bryne’s THE JULIA SET is a success because of the terrific cast and phenomenal performances, in an important film that sometimes comes across heavy-handed and preachy. Chase Infiniti shines as Julia a freshman in college invited to prep for the the world’s most challenging math competition, the Putnam Exam. Nina Hoss is terrific as the hard-ass professor who champions the course. Christopher Briney is strong as Pascal, Julia’s teaching assistant, another mathematical heavyweight who sponsors her for the prep course, and ends up dating her. Gillian Anderson elevates the role of Pascal’s mother in a nuanced performance that belies some of the heavy-handedness. Jason Isaac is great as pascal’s reprehensible billionaire father, and Chloe Bailey is a delight as Julia’s college roommate.
“It’s too bad the writing veers into PSA territory at points, because we can certainly use more films about women of color excelling in math! Very reminiscent of the play Proof! 4 cats
“Screened at Scotiabank Theater, Saturday 9/12, director and much of cast in attendance.”