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Love, Danielle

Love, Danielle
Directed byMarianna Palka
Written bySteve Sears
Devin Sidell
Produced byJoanna Kerns
Steve Morris
Amy Byer Shainman
Robin Conly
Steve Sears
Devin Sidell
StarringDevin Sidell
Jaime King
Lesley Ann Warren
Michael Roark
Barry Bostwick
Ian Owens
Marianna Palka
Larry Clarke
Raymond Cruz
Kim Coles
Kelly Jenrette
CinematographyHana Kitasei
Edited byAlexandra Scratch
Music byMichael Teoli
Production
companies
Lady Parts Productions
BRCA Responder
Release date
  • 2025 (2025)
Running time
78 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Love, Danielle is a 2025 American dramedy film co-written by Devin Sidell and produced by Amy Byer Shainman.[1][2] The film centers on a woman who carries a BRCA gene mutation and must decide whether to undergo preventive surgeries—such as a mastectomy and oophorectomy—to reduce her risk of developing cancer.[3] The cast includes Devin Sidell, Jaime King, Lesley Ann Warren, Michael Roark, Barry Bostwick, Ian Owens, Marianna Palka, Larry Clarke, Raymond Cruz, Kim Coles, and Kelly Jenrette.[4]

The film draws on Sidell’s personal experiences with the BRCA-1 gene mutation. In 2016, she underwent a preventive oophorectomy and hysterectomy while her sister was receiving treatment for breast cancer. Her family has a notable history of cancer, with her mother surviving both ovarian and breast cancer, and her aunt passing away from ovarian cancer.[5] In 2017, Sidell chose to have a preventive double mastectomy. Footage of her post-surgical scars and tissue expanders—filmed prior to her reconstructive surgery—was incorporated into Love, Danielle, offering a visual representation of the physical and emotional realities associated with BRCA-related decisions.[6]

Plot

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When Danielle tests positive for a BRCA-1 gene mutation, she learns that this puts her at a very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Her older sister, Amy, is already undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Danielle now contemplates preemptively removing her "ticking time bomb" breasts and reproductive organs before cancer gets her, too. Her decision-making process involves flashbacks of her childhood with absent parents, bizarre anesthesia-induced dreams, and toxic confrontations with her recovering alcoholic mother and self-absorbed 70's TV Western star father. Ultimately, Danielle must figure out how to prioritize her health and well-being by putting herself first.[7]

Cast

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Production

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Love, Danielle[8] was directed by Marianna Palka and written by Steve Sears and Devin Sidell. Producers include Joanna Kerns, Steve Morris, Amy Byer Shainman, Robin Conly, Steve Sears, and Devin Sidell[9]. Cinematography was by Hana Kitasei, editing by Alexandra Scratch, and music by Michael Teoli. Lady Parts Productions and BRCA Responder produced the film.[10]

Accolades

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Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result
Garden State Film Festival[11] 2025 Best Actress in a Feature Devin Sidell Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Jaime King Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Barry Bostwick Nominated
Best Ensemble in a Feature Love, Danielle Nominated
Toronto International Women’s Film Festival[12] 2025 Best Narrative Feature Love, Danielle Won
Phoenix Film Festival[13] 2025 Best Screenplay Love, Danielle Won
WorldFest Houston[14] 2025 Best Actress Devin Sidell Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Lesley Ann Warren Won
Best Supporting Actor Barry Bostwick Nominated
Gold Comedy Feature Love, Danielle Won
Nevada Women’s Film Festival[15] 2025 Best Feature Film Love, Danielle Won
Woods Hole Film Festival[16] 2025 Best Feature Film Love, Danielle Nominated

References

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  1. ^ IMDb: Love, Danielle (2025)
  2. ^ "Exclusive Love, Danielle Trailer Previews Movie About Woman With BRCA1 Gene Mutation". Yahoo Entertainment. October 2024. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
  3. ^ Official website
  4. ^ IMDb Full Credits
  5. ^ Newsweek: The Silent Disease in Our Genes
  6. ^ Official website
  7. ^ IMDb: Love, Danielle
  8. ^ Hunter V. Norris (May 9, 2025). "'Love, Danielle' demonstrates that sometimes laughter is the best medicine". Arizona’s Family. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
  9. ^ "Actresses Devin Sidell, Jaime King talk new film "Love, Danielle"". CBS News Los Angeles. October 21, 2024. Retrieved 2025-07-24.
  10. ^ IMDb: Love, Danielle
  11. ^ GSFF Winners
  12. ^ Instagram announcement
  13. ^ Phoenix Film Festival Awards
  14. ^ WorldFest Houston Winners
  15. ^ NWFFest Awards
  16. ^ [1]
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