Cody Fern's admiration for Sarah Paulson was immediate and intense during their time on "American Horror Story: Apocalypse." "Sarah is one of the great loves of my life," Fern shared, indicating a creative synergy that compelled him to seek future collaborations. This desire led him to craft the lead role of Sandra in his first feature film, 'Closing Night,' with Paulson firmly in mind. "Sandra was written for her," Fern revealed to IndieWire ahead of the film's premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Co-written with his longtime friend Devon Bostick, 'Closing Night' marks Fern's feature-length directorial debut. The film presents a complex family portrait, featuring a quintet of compelling roles. The story centers on Sandra, an acclaimed actress, who, after years of estrangement, mysteriously invites her outspoken, alcoholic mother Diane (Dianne Wiest) and her mousy sister April (Naomi Watts) to the premiere of her upcoming Broadway show. Upon arriving in New York, April discovers her son Thoe (Toby Wallace) and his girlfriend Lucy (Odessa A’zion) have already met Sandra. The already fraught family dynamics intensify when Sandra receives an ominous health diagnosis, threatening to expose long-buried secrets.
The film's emotional depth stems from its deeply personal roots, which Fern describes as "emotionally biographical, but narratively fictional." He shared that the writing process was rapid, like "giving birth to something," driven by a need to understand his own life and family. The narrative explores motherhood across three generations, with Fern grappling with the complexities of his own upbringing, influenced by both his biological mother, who was denied an abortion, and his stepmother, who fought "through love, will, and perseverance" to be his mother. A recent difficult medical diagnosis for his biological mother prompted Fern to reconnect with her while writing the script, providing a profound personal context for the film's exploration of family and mortality.
As a seasoned actor, Fern prioritized creating a safe and trusting environment on set. He opted to be in the trenches with his cast rather than directing from a distant video village, aiming to foster an atmosphere where actors could take significant risks. "You’re the best friend, the kid brother, the scolding father, and the coaxing therapist," Fern said of his directorial approach, emphasizing a shared, intimate experience. He encouraged his actors to be fully present in their bodies, communicating story through physicality, a contrast to the often close-up heavy nature of television work.
The casting process saw Paulson's early commitment, followed by Fern's friend Toby Wallace. Paulson herself suggested Naomi Watts for the role of her sister, having recently worked together. A significant achievement was securing two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest, whom Fern described as a "shining light." Interestingly, Odessa A’zion, despite not being a household name at the time, was the hardest to cast, with Fern insisting they rewrite the part of Lucy specifically for her, recognizing her unique talent.
Fern's deep understanding of Paulson's capabilities informed his direction. "She’s like a Bugatti," he remarked, highlighting her ability to accelerate into a performance with incredible speed and power. He believes that while Paulson has had extraordinary roles in television, the film world hasn't always offered her parts she can truly "sink her teeth into." 'Closing Night' is designed to provide just that opportunity, showcasing the full spectrum of her formidable talent. The film is set to premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12.