Jill Kargman's Dark Turn: From Comedy to Cemetery Plots

Jill Kargman, celebrated for her witty observations of Upper East Side society, is embarking on a new creative direction. Her latest film, 'Influenced,' a comedy that satirizes social striving, features notable cameos from Gwyneth Paltrow, Drew Barrymore, and Matt Damon. This project originated from an early-lockdown Instagram bit and was eventually developed into a feature film after an initial pilot for IFC was shelved. The film is currently playing in select cities, with a streaming release planned for September.

Following 'Influenced,' Kargman is diving into significantly darker territory with a new feature film based on her book, 'Sprinkle Glitter on My Grave.' This upcoming project explores themes of death positivity, green burials, and the role of a death doula, a stark contrast to her previous comedic work. Kargman explains that her lifelong fascination with mortality, stemming from her own family's morbid humor and their extensive efforts to secure a unique family cemetery plot in Massachusetts, heavily influences her creative output.