The phrase "women in STEM" has become something of a meme over the past two decades, but Niki Byrne's The Julia Set reminds us why the push for gender diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math remains vital. The film, which premiered at TIFF, follows Julia (Chase Infiniti), a brilliant young mathematician who falls for her teaching assistant, Pascal (Christopher Briney). What begins as a promising romance quickly sours as Julia realizes she's trapped in a system—and a relationship—where Pascal's needs always come first. It's an emotional and uplifting story, though it doesn't quite have the punch to stand out in a crowded field of academic dramas.
What Is The Julia Set About?
Julia is a shy, insecure math student when she catches the eye of her TA, Pascal Mandelbrot. He recruits her for a private study group led by the icy Dr. Zatlan (Nina Hoss), preparing for the infamous Putnam Test—a real-life competition so brutal that the median score is zero out of 120. The pressure is immense, and as Julia and Pascal study together, their relationship intensifies. But soon, red flags emerge: Pascal love-bombs her, rushes their milestones, and subtly undermines her confidence while taking credit for her ideas.
The toxicity reaches a peak when Julia meets Pascal's parents, Aleksander (Jason Isaacs) and Anne (Gillian Anderson), both mathematicians and former TA-student couple. Aleksander is emotionally abusive and steals credit from Anne, mirroring the dynamic Pascal is creating with Julia. As the test approaches, Pascal's grip on sanity loosens, and he lashes out, revealing he's far from the knight in shining armor Julia once imagined.
Chase Infiniti Is the Film's MVP
Chase Infiniti, who impressed in One Battle After Another, delivers a career-best performance here. She brings both the passion of someone ready to dedicate her life to math and the vulnerability of a shy student emerging from her shell. In lesser hands, Julia could feel one-dimensional, but Infiniti makes us root for her and feel protective when Pascal turns cruel.
Christopher Briney, however, doesn't quite match her energy. His Pascal feels like a darker version of his Summer I Turned Pretty character, Conrad Fisher—aloof and brooding, but lacking the nuance needed to make the character's descent compelling. The supporting cast, though, is a saving grace. Jason Isaacs is chilling as the domineering Aleksander, and Gillian Anderson brings depth to the thankless role of the long-suffering wife.
A Drama That Misses Some Marks
Unfortunately, The Julia Set struggles with its script. The dialogue is often stilted, and the story leans heavily on predictable beats. The film hammers home its point about sexism in academia with little subtlety, and the saccharine ending is telegraphed from early on. It swings from cerebral drama to melodrama without fully committing to either.
Still, the film's heart is in the right place, and Infiniti's performance elevates the material. For fans of coming-of-age stories with a darker edge, this might be worth a watch. And if you're curious about other TIFF highlights, check out this brutal prison drama or Gillian Anderson's other TIFF film. The Julia Set may not be perfect, but it's a reminder that even flawed stories can shine when anchored by a truly gifted performer.
