In Spite of Ourselves film poster starring Conor Leslie and Brett Dier

Love comes easy — relationships don’t.

When Hannah, a warm and determined Portland baker, crosses paths with Archie, an up-and-coming LA comedian with a habit of dodging commitment, their instant chemistry sparks a whirlwind romance neither expected. But after two blissful weeks together, real life pulls them back to separate cities, forcing them to confront distance, doubts, and their own hilariously messy insecurities.

Heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable, In Spite of Ourselves follows two imperfect people trying to figure out whether they can move past their fears — and give love a real chance.

Written & Directed by

Josh Loeb

Produced by

Josh Loeb
Michelle Lewitt
Gabe Mayhan
Tim Harms

Starring

Brett Dier
Conor Leslie
Mo Mandel
Alyssa Limperis

Cinematography by

Gabe Mayhan

Romantic Comedy · 97 min · USA

Winner · Best Narrative Feature
Mystic Film Festival

Winner · Best Actor, Brett Dier
Mystic Film Festival

Winner · Best of Portland
Portland Film Festival

Official Selection
Heartland Film Festival

Is it a Rom Com, is it a Drama?

IT’S A LOVE STORY

Love is full of laughs and tears and this film is about the honest messiness of love and how we need to be willing to work on ourselves to make a relationship with someone else really work

  • “An emotionally mature movie.”

    - Cortlyn Kelly (RT), RogerEbert.com

  • “In Spite of Ourselves is a real gem of a movie — feels like the Say Anything of 2026! One of the best movies I’ve seen all year!”

    - Scott Mantz, KTLA

  • “May arguably be the best on-screen romance of the year.” - Don Shanahan (RT), Film Obsessive.

    - Don Shanahan (RT), Film Obsessive.

  • “A heartfelt, honest and charming romantic dramedy.”

    - Avi Offer (RT), NYC Movie Guru

  • “Tender, sweet, lovely little romance with incredible chemistry.”

    - Rachel Wagner (RT), Rachel’s Reviews

In Spite of Ourselves on the Landmark Nuart Theatre marquee in Los Angeles

THEATRICAL RELEASE

Festivals

  • Portland Film Festival at The Den

  • Cinequest (world premiere)

  • Mystic Film Festival

  • Filmland / Arkansas Cinema Society

  • Heartland Film Festival (Midwest premiere)

  • Ojai Film Festival

Theaters

  • Quad Cinema. New York City, NY

  • The Living Room Theaters. Portland, OR

  • Landmark Nuart Theatre. Los Angeles, CA

  • Lumiere Cinema at Music Hall, Beverly Hills, CA

UPCOMING

  • Salem Cinema, Salem, OR

  • Mary D. Fisher Theatre, Sedona, AZ