Mike Mills' film Beginners speaks of the fumbling hesitancy and unbridled joy that life’s relationships can bring. Oliver (Ewan McGregor) is suspended between two: he’s dealing with the recent loss of his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer) but just as similarly entangled in something sweet and new with the delightful Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

We spoke with Mills about what it was like to make a film with such personal significance (the character of Hal is based upon Mills’ own father).

Interview: Tyson Koh
Video: Nick Sweeney