Paint is an American independent comedy film written and directed by Brit McAdams. The film stars Owen Wilson, Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renée, Lucy Freyer, Lusia Strus, and Stephen Root. The film released on April 7, 2023, by IFC Films.
Premise[]
The film centers on Carl Nargle, who has hosted Vermont's number one painting show for nearly three decades. While Carl's signature whisper has long kept viewers from Pittsfield to St. Albans breathlessly hanging on his every stroke, the station eventually hires a younger, better painter who steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
Plot[]
For nearly thirty years, Carl Nargle has been the beloved host of Vermont's top-rated painting show. However, his long-standing fame as a public broadcasting superstar is jeopardized when the struggling TV station brings in Ambrosia, a talented and versatile young painter who threatens Carl's position.
Ambrosia quickly takes over Carl's coveted timeslot, leaving him not only displaced but also unable to charm his co-workers as he once did. Faced with dwindling prospects, the station manager decides to terminate Carl's employment following a humiliating fundraising campaign. As a consolation, he secures Carl a teaching position at a nearby college, hoping it will revive his spirits. Unfortunately, Carl's deep depression prevents him from effectively fulfilling his new role as a painting instructor.
Amidst these challenges, Carl finds solace and support from Katherine, the true love of his life. Katherine realizes that she has wasted precious years waiting for Carl's validation, while Carl himself comes to the realization that he has been a foolish and self-centered playboy. In a moment of revelation, they both confess their love for one another.
Tragedy strikes when a fire engulfs Carl's barn, leading the townspeople to believe he perished in the blaze. In truth, however, Carl has chosen to embrace a simpler existence alongside Katherine. They begin a new life together, hidden from the world that assumed Carl's demise.
Cast[]
- Owen Wilson as Carl Nargle, a fictional character loosely based on Bob Ross.
- Michaela Watkins
- Wendi McLendon-Covey
- Ciara Renée
- Lusia Strus
- Stephen Root
- Lucy Freyer
- Denny Dillon
- Evander Duck Jr.
- Will Blagrove
- Ryan Czerwonko
Production[]
In 2010, the screenplay Paint, written by Brit McAdams, was featured on the Black List of that year's most-liked unproduced screenplays. On April 16, 2021, it was announced that Owen Wilson, Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renée, Lusia Strus, and Stephen Root had signed on to star in the film, which McAdams would also direct. In May 2021, it was announced that Lucy Freyer would also star.
Principal photography took place from April 2021 to June 2021 in Albany, New York.
Release[]
Paint was originally scheduled for release by IFC Films on April 28, 2023, but was moved forward three weeks, to April 7, when it released in the United States alongside Showing Up. The film streamed exclusively on AMC+ in the United States in late 2023.
Videos[]
