Cooper Raiff: Directing, Acting & Healing

Cooper Raiff, known for exploring the complexities of young adulthood, now delves into these themes as creator, writer, director, and star of the series "Hal & Harper." The show, which follows a brother-sister duo navigating life after a childhood tragedy, features Raiff playing the titular Hal in both his 20s and as a child.

Raiff shares his excitement about collaborating with Mark Ruffalo, who he eagerly cast as the father after an initial meeting. Ruffalo's positive reaction to the script, including texts expressing how scenes "crushed his heart," solidified his involvement. Raiff also commends co-star Lili Reinhart, describing her performance as Harper as a "gift" that guides the audience through difficult emotional territory.

Originally conceived as a film, "Hal & Harper" evolved into a TV series to allow for deeper character exploration and breathing room, drawing inspiration from shows like "Normal People." The nonlinear editing style mirrors the characters' confusion, creating an immersive experience for the viewer, culminating in a powerful finale performance by Reinhart.