Directed by Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge, the romantic drama Charlie Harper stars Nick Robinson (Jurassic World) as Charlie and Emilia Jones (CODA) as Harper as they try to build a life together. However, Harper has dreams of becoming a chef while Charlie is stuck in his ways. Will their relationship hold, and is love enough?

The film is told in a nonlinear way, and audiences will follow the two characters as they enter different eras in their lives. It switches from the present to the past, making audiences learn new things as more information is revealed.

“The movie deals a lot in memory and nostalgia and how those things shape and impact your life,” Robinson tells Nerd Reactor. “And the way that your memory is not exactly the same as the way that someone else experienced the same thing. You’re going to have the same experience, but remember it completely differently.”

Jones plays Harper, who has dreams of becoming a chef, but she is stuck trying to help Charlie. The actress also plays CODA’s Ruby, who has a similar connection.

“I think playing characters who are young but shouldering a lot of adult responsibility is really intriguing to me,” Jones said. “I think both Ruby and Harper are going through the same running theme of love and the challenges that come with love.

“When the love is really, really great, it’s hard to sometimes see yourself because I think Ruby was constantly thinking of others because she loves her family so much. I think Harper loves Charlie so much, but at some point, I think you have to be kind to yourself, and I think both those characters go through a journey and a character arc and slowly kind of realize that.”

About Charlie Harper

Synopsis: At an engagement party for mutual friends, Charlie and Harper seemingly meet for the first time, but when a specific song sparks old memories, their complex history is revealed. Through flashbacks from both perspectives, their story unfolds: from what brought them together to where they are today.

Retracing the highs and the lows, the depth of their bond comes into clearer focus as they navigate their diverging aspirations for the future. Through the evolving relationship of Charlie and Harper, the film explores the tension between love, ambition, identity, and personal growth, and examines what happens when two people deeply connected to one another grow in different directions, forcing them to confront whether love alone is enough or if time may be something they cannot overcome.

The film is directed by Mac Eldridge and Tom Dean and written by Tom Dean.

Charlie Harper releases in theaters nationwide on September 25, 2026.