Meet the ‘Miss You, Love You’ Cast: Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells Shine in HBO Film

HBO is set to unveil a captivating new film, and the entertainment industry is already taking notice. ‘Miss You, Love You’ premieres on HBO on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and will be available for streaming on Max. With an Oscar-winning director, two renowned stage and screen actors, and a buzzworthy screening at Sundance, this film is generating significant excitement ahead of its debut.

This HBO Original features Academy Award and Emmy winner Allison Janney alongside two-time Tony nominee Andrew Rannells. The story revolves around a grieving widow and her estranged son’s assistant as they navigate themes of loss, unexpected connections, and dark humor. It’s the kind of intimate, character-driven drama that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Janney stars as Diane Patterson, while Rannells portrays Jamie Simms, her son’s assistant who enters her life as a stranger. This pairing is inspired, showcasing two actors celebrated for their comedic timing in a narrative that demands emotional depth.

The supporting cast includes Emmy nominee Bonnie Hunt, ‘The Office’ star Oscar Nuñez, and Lisa Schurga, with Suzy Nakamura playing Kathy and Hunt taking on the role of Judith Bibbs.

With seven Emmy wins already, Allison Janney is being touted as a strong contender for awards this season, with many in the industry speculating whether this film could lead her to an eighth win. The role she plays is emotionally complex and challenging, a type of performance that tends to resonate with awards voters.

Director and writer Jim Rash has shared that the film stems from personal experiences, particularly the inspiration he drew from returning home for his father’s funeral eight years ago. This real-life grief adds depth and emotional specificity to the film.

‘Miss You, Love You’ marks the latest project from Jim Rash, who previously co-directed and co-wrote the ‘Force Majeure’ remake ‘Downhill’ with his longtime collaborator Nat Faxon. Their history of creating intimate human stories with emotional depth shines through in this film.

Filming began in February 2024 in and around Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rash, Janney, and Rannells have discussed the experience of shooting long scenes in just 17 days, approaching the material as if it were a stage play. This theatrical intensity translates to a vibrant quality on screen.

At the heart of the story, Diane Patterson is grappling with the recent loss of her husband, Henry, of 24 years. Jamie, her son Tyler’s assistant, arrives to assist with funeral arrangements while Tyler is abroad for work. What unfolds is not your typical grief drama, but something more unique and poignant.

A significant element of the narrative revolves around a single succulent that Diane struggles to keep alive after Henry’s passing, despite her sense of obligation. Caring for the plants, which were Henry’s passion, becomes a poignant extension of her grief and a final responsibility she feels she cannot fail, beyond the funeral itself. This metaphor serves as a quiet anchor for the film’s emotional journey.

The film explores the ambiguous dynamic between Diane and Jamie, delving into their messy and often uncomfortable feelings about the people who matter most to them. It is within this uncertain relationship between two strangers brought together by loss that the film discovers its most original and impactful material.

A secret screening of ‘Miss You, Love You’ took place at the Hyatt Centric Park City during the final Sundance Film Festival, where Julia Roberts was present to show her support for the film. The screening quickly filled up, necessitating additional seating before Rash introduced the movie.

In April 2026, HBO Films secured U.S. distribution rights for the film, which also garnered international interest, leading to a screening at Cannes by sales company Architect. This dual-market momentum indicates the film’s broad appeal among industry insiders.

Rash expressed his excitement over HBO’s acquisition, calling it the ideal home for the film. HBO’s Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming, praised the film for its ability to “masterfully navigate grief, family, and the weight of buried trauma with a comedic lightness that never undermines its depth.”

‘Miss You, Love You’ is already sparking conversations about the Emmy season, premiering just as the eligibility window closes. This timing is strategic, ensuring it is front of mind for voters when it matters most.

Producers Kevin Walsh, Nat Faxon, Gigi Pritzker, and Rachel Shane described the film as “a beautifully human story” about unexpected connections and humor amid profound loss. This warm yet genuine framing sets it apart from typical prestige dramas.

The trailer hints at the unexpected partnership between Diane and Jamie as they navigate grief, ultimately becoming an unlikely source of connection, laughter, and healing—a mother and her unexpected surrogate son. Regardless of how the film performs during awards season, it possesses all the elements to become a quietly impactful watch that audiences and critics will discuss for months.

If you’ve seen the trailer or caught early buzz surrounding ‘Miss You, Love You’, share your thoughts on whether Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells exhibit the kind of chemistry that deserves a standing ovation.