Blab Entertainment
Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells Star in Jim Rashs Miss You, Love You, Premiering on HBO Max May 29, 2026
Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells headline Jim Rash’s first feature‑directing effort, Miss You, Love You, which will debut on HBO Max on May 29, 2026. The drama follows a widow who must arrange her husband’s funeral while her estranged son sends his assistant to the ceremony instead of attending himself. The film was screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before securing a distribution deal with HBO Max.
The project marks a new chapter for Rash, who previously earned acclaim as a screenwriter for The Descendants and a director of the comedy The Way, Way Back. Miss You, Love You is written and directed by Rash, and it is his first solo directorial debut. The screenplay focuses on themes of grief, family estrangement, and the complexities of interpersonal boundaries.
Janney, an Academy Award‑winning actress known for her work on The West Wing and I, Tonya, portrays Diane Patterson, a New Mexico‑based widow coping with the loss of her husband. Rannells, a Tony‑nominated performer best known for originating the role of Kevin Price in The Book of Mormon, plays Jamie Simms, the assistant who arrives to support Diane during the funeral preparations.
Supporting roles include Bonnie Hunt as a church elder, Suzy Nakamura as a neighbor, and Oscar Nunez as the pastor. The film’s limited cast allows the narrative to concentrate on dialogue and character interaction, a choice highlighted by reviewers who note the film’s emphasis on the emotional dynamics between the two leads.
The film’s production was completed in 2025, with principal photography taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to the production’s press release, the setting was chosen to reflect the protagonist’s connection to the landscape and to provide a visually striking backdrop for the story’s exploration of loss.
Miss You, Love You premiered in a private screening at Sundance on April 22, 2026. The festival’s coverage reported that the film received a positive response from audience members, who praised the performances of Janney and Rannells and the film’s handling of delicate subject matter.
Following the Sundance showing, HBO Max announced that the film would be added to its streaming catalog. The network’s statement emphasized the platform’s commitment to original drama content and highlighted the film’s potential to resonate with viewers who appreciate character‑driven storytelling.
The film’s release strategy aligns with HBO Max’s broader approach to feature films, which includes a mix of theatrical releases and direct‑to‑streaming premieres. By positioning Miss You, Love You as a streaming original, HBO Max aims to attract subscribers interested in contemporary dramas that tackle personal and societal issues.
Industry analysts note that the film’s focus on grief and family dynamics is timely, given the continued public interest in narratives that address mental health and emotional well‑being. The film’s release date places it in the summer lineup, a period that traditionally sees increased viewership on streaming platforms.
In summary, Miss You, Love You is a drama that centers on a widow’s funeral preparations and the unexpected arrival of her son’s assistant. With a cast led by Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells, a screenplay and direction by Jim Rash, and a premiere on HBO Max on May 29, 2026, the film is positioned to contribute to the conversation about grief, family relationships, and the role of media in exploring complex emotional themes.
The project marks a new chapter for Rash, who previously earned acclaim as a screenwriter for The Descendants and a director of the comedy The Way, Way Back. Miss You, Love You is written and directed by Rash, and it is his first solo directorial debut. The screenplay focuses on themes of grief, family estrangement, and the complexities of interpersonal boundaries.
Janney, an Academy Award‑winning actress known for her work on The West Wing and I, Tonya, portrays Diane Patterson, a New Mexico‑based widow coping with the loss of her husband. Rannells, a Tony‑nominated performer best known for originating the role of Kevin Price in The Book of Mormon, plays Jamie Simms, the assistant who arrives to support Diane during the funeral preparations.
Supporting roles include Bonnie Hunt as a church elder, Suzy Nakamura as a neighbor, and Oscar Nunez as the pastor. The film’s limited cast allows the narrative to concentrate on dialogue and character interaction, a choice highlighted by reviewers who note the film’s emphasis on the emotional dynamics between the two leads.
The film’s production was completed in 2025, with principal photography taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico. According to the production’s press release, the setting was chosen to reflect the protagonist’s connection to the landscape and to provide a visually striking backdrop for the story’s exploration of loss.
Miss You, Love You premiered in a private screening at Sundance on April 22, 2026. The festival’s coverage reported that the film received a positive response from audience members, who praised the performances of Janney and Rannells and the film’s handling of delicate subject matter.
Following the Sundance showing, HBO Max announced that the film would be added to its streaming catalog. The network’s statement emphasized the platform’s commitment to original drama content and highlighted the film’s potential to resonate with viewers who appreciate character‑driven storytelling.
The film’s release strategy aligns with HBO Max’s broader approach to feature films, which includes a mix of theatrical releases and direct‑to‑streaming premieres. By positioning Miss You, Love You as a streaming original, HBO Max aims to attract subscribers interested in contemporary dramas that tackle personal and societal issues.
Industry analysts note that the film’s focus on grief and family dynamics is timely, given the continued public interest in narratives that address mental health and emotional well‑being. The film’s release date places it in the summer lineup, a period that traditionally sees increased viewership on streaming platforms.
In summary, Miss You, Love You is a drama that centers on a widow’s funeral preparations and the unexpected arrival of her son’s assistant. With a cast led by Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells, a screenplay and direction by Jim Rash, and a premiere on HBO Max on May 29, 2026, the film is positioned to contribute to the conversation about grief, family relationships, and the role of media in exploring complex emotional themes.
