Danny Huston stars in We Are Gathered Here Today, a poignant family drama set for release on May 20, 2025, across digital platforms and DVD in North America. The film, written and directed by Paul Boyd, follows a family forced to grieve apart, connecting only through a video call during the restrictive period of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic’s toll is felt in many households, the movie explores the unique challenges of distance, grief, and connection in a time of isolation.
Centered on Henry Stone, the patriarch of a large inter-racial family now critically ill in the hospital with COVID-19, the narrative begins when Henry’s wife discovers his grave condition. Her urgent calls alert their son, triggering a chain reaction as each family member is drawn into a single video conference call—a digital gathering brought on by the inability to be physically present at Henry’s bedside. This online meeting, held via a hospital iPad, becomes the only means for emotional communication, support, and, ultimately, the airing of long-held secrets.
The cast features Danny Huston alongside a distinguished ensemble including Nicole Ari Parker, Lin Shaye, Jenny O’Hara, Margaret Avery, Phoebe Tonkin, Luna Blaise, Charlie Barnett, and others.
stated Paul Boyd, highlighting the intense nature of remote filming, which took place over three days of video conference sessions. To capture authentic reactions and genuine emotion, much of the dialogue relied on improvisation, as each actor performed in isolation, guided only by virtual cues.
According to the official synopsis, the family’s call is punctuated by frustration, confusion, and attempts at comfort, as they navigate deep grief and the trauma of being separated during a crisis. Old family conflicts resurface and previously hidden truths come to light, all while the group copes with the impending loss of Henry. The unconventional screenlife format elevates the sense of detachment and vulnerability, providing viewers with an intimate perspective on what many experienced during the pandemic.
Director Paul Boyd explained,
The presence of Danny Huston as both producer and star adds considerable depth and authenticity to the project, reflecting the intense emotional realities faced by families worldwide. The film’s release promises not only a timely artistic reflection on recent history, but also initiates conversation around collective memory, healing, and the lasting impact of personal loss on family dynamics. As audiences anticipate its arrival, We Are Gathered Here Today aims to leave a significant mark, using Danny Huston’s performance to anchor a story of resilience and revelation in extraordinary times.
