Actress Dares to Compete, Math Drama Unfolds

Chase Infiniti, fresh off a major acting breakthrough, stars in Niki Byrne's "The Julia Set," a coming-of-age drama premiering at TIFF. The film follows Julia, a talented mathematics student who enters a high-stakes competition, only to find her skills clashing with those of her fellow student and love interest, Pascal.

Infiniti, who also served as an executive producer, connected deeply with Julia's journey of embracing her capabilities. She noted the personal empowerment derived from portraying a character in a field as distant as high-level mathematics from her own experiences.

The production faced a significant hurdle when Infiniti's role in "The Testaments" conflicted with "The Julia Set's" initial schedule. However, director Niki Byrne and the crew adjusted production by a month to accommodate her, highlighting the collaborative spirit.

Christopher Briney, as Pascal, also joined the project under tight circumstances, drawn by the script's quality and Byrne's vision. His portrayal focuses on Pascal's upbringing and the societal pressures he faced, rather than simply portraying him as a villain.

Byrne fostered a creative atmosphere during the 25-day shoot, allowing actors like Infiniti and Briney the freedom to explore their characters. Infiniti also embraced her producer role, acting as a liaison and advocate for cast needs.

The film features veteran actors Gillian Anderson, Jason Isaacs, and Nina Hoss, whose performances impressed both Infiniti and Briney. Briney described watching Hoss deliver complex mathematical dialogue as a Shakespearean experience.

"The Julia Set" champions the idea of environmental influence on personal growth and ambition. Briney hopes audiences will discuss how upbringing shapes individuals, a theme central to the film's narrative.

The film premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday night. The festival runs from September 10-20, 2026.