In the heartwarming dramedy HALF BROTHERS, Mexican aviation executive Renato (Luis Gerardo Mendez), gets a big surprise when he discovers he has an American half-brother, the free-spirited Asher (Connor Del Rio). They end up on the adventure of a lifetime, road-tripping down the exact path their father once took from Mexico to the U.S.
We spoke with the stars of the film, and director Luke Greenfield, who talked about the appeal of HALF BROTHERS. "I love blending genres," he said. "I love blending tones… (To) make people cry and then make people laugh right afterward, and before… that excites me. Those types of movies excite me."
Star Luis Gerardo Mendez, who is also a producer on the movie, said "each character represents a country, and we wanted to talk about the differences between those countries. But also, and most importantly, talk about how at the end of the day we are not that different, we are, in a way, half-brothers."
His co-star Connor Del Rio chimed in, "When I was first reading the script, I was laughing my butt off, and then I got to the end, and I was... weeping my butt off. Which is not a phrase."
The dynamic between Renato and Asher shines bright, and the duo formed just as strong as a bond off-camera. Mendez said, "I think the key is to be close and to be friends with your co-star but especially to have respect and admire your co-star." Luke Greenfield echoed that sentiment saying, "Those two guys, all the behind-the-scenes footage that they are putting out right now, you would think they are in character, but that’s just them!"
Connor Del Rio wrapped up our interview by emphasizing the importance, and magic of seeing HALF BROTHERS in a Cinemark Theater, saying, "This is something nice that I think people will really enjoy during this crazy time, where you can just sit with your family and laugh and smile, and cry, and just feel some warmth for an hour and a half."
Check out our experience in the virtual junket for the premiere of HALF BROTHERS:
HALF BROTHERS is in theatres on December 4!
All images courtesy of Focus Features.