At the Toronto International Film Festival, the cast of The Julia Set gathered to discuss their new film, and Chase Infiniti revealed the surprising piece of advice that helped her step into the shoes of a mathematical prodigy. The film, written and directed by Niki Byrne, follows Julia (Infiniti) as she is plucked from university obscurity by a teaching assistant named Pascal (Christopher Briney) who recognizes her extraordinary talent with numbers.
Infiniti, known for her role in One Battle After Another, shared that the advice came from an unexpected source and centered on embracing vulnerability rather than projecting confidence. "It was about letting go of the need to appear smart and instead trusting the process," she explained during the Collider Media Studio interview, presented by Campari and The Cayman Islands. That mindset shift allowed her to portray Julia's internal struggle between hiding her gifts and letting them shine under pressure.
The film explores the intense world of the Putnam Exam, where students like Pascal are groomed for genius from a young age. As the competition looms, Julia's methodical mind thrives where others falter. Christopher Briney, who plays Pascal, noted that the cast underwent rigorous preparation to authentically portray mathematicians, including working with consultants and diving into the psychology of competitive academics.
Chlöe Bailey, Nico Hiraga, and Jason Isaacs also joined the conversation, each sharing their own experiences with mentors who shaped their careers. Isaacs, known for his roles in Juliet & Romeo and the Harry Potter franchise, offered heartfelt advice to young artists: "Don't wait for permission to be great. Find the people who believe in you and hold onto them." His words resonated with the cast, who credited their own mentors for guiding them through the unpredictable entertainment industry.
The interview also touched on the trust the cast placed in writer-director Niki Byrne's vision. Infiniti praised Byrne's ability to create a safe space for experimentation, allowing the actors to explore the emotional depths of their characters. "She didn't just want us to look like mathematicians; she wanted us to feel like them," Infiniti said.
For fans of magical world-building and character-driven dramas, The Julia Set promises a fresh take on the prodigy narrative. The film's premiere at TIFF 2026 has already generated buzz, and while a release date hasn't been announced, audiences are eager to see Infiniti's breakout performance.
As the conversation wrapped, Isaacs left the young actors with a final thought: "Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, and never stop learning." It's advice that clearly resonated with the cast, who are already looking ahead to their next projects.
Stay tuned for more updates on The Julia Set and other exciting releases from TIFF 2026.
