One of the most notable discoveries at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival is “The Julia Set,” the feature directorial debut by writer-director Niki Byrne. The film serves as a powerful showcase for Chase Infiniti, whose performance as a mathematical genius trapped in an abusive relationship has drawn widespread acclaim.
Infiniti portrays Julia, a prodigy recruited into a rigorous study group preparing for the Putnam Examination, a prestigious six-hour undergraduate math competition. The narrative explores her struggle to balance a blossoming romance with Pascal, played by Christopher Briney, against the pressure of her academic obligations and the exploitation she faces from both her partner and the university system.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman highlighted the impact of Infiniti’s performance in his festival review, noting that her depiction of Julia’s extraordinary intelligence raises the stakes of the film. “We’re rooting for her emotional salvation, but we’re also rooting for her to dazzle the universe with her talent,” Gleiberman wrote, describing the portrait as both inspired and frustrating.
During an interview in Toronto, Byrne and Infiniti discussed the film’s origins and themes. Byrne, who previously worked as an aerial photographer and licensed race car driver, revealed that she wrote the script during the COVID lockdown. Her path to directing involved taking acting classes at the suggestion of Martin Scorsese, a decision she found valuable despite finding the craft difficult.
Infiniti recounted that Byrne found her three years prior in a Koreatown coffee shop, shortly after the actress had begun filming “Presumed Innocent.” She emphasized the importance of portraying Julia’s restraint, even when subjected to significant mistreatment. “It felt like telling a very real story that feels central to growing up,” Infiniti said, drawing parallels to her own experiences with self-doubt around age 18.
The actress also addressed the film’s realistic depiction of “love bombing,” particularly a pivotal scene where Julia is unkindly treated by Pascal after preparing a surprise dinner. Byrne noted that the crew was moved to tears during the filming of that sequence, which required multiple takes to capture the emotional toll on Infiniti’s character.
Discussions turned to the intersection of Julia’s identity as a woman of color and a socioeconomic underdog within the academic environment. Infiniti explained that women of color often lack the luxury of focusing solely on themselves, particularly in abusive dynamics, making Julia’s retreat from her talents a protective mechanism rather than a lack of ambition.
Despite not being a mathematics expert herself, Infiniti drew upon her confidence in her acting career to embody Julia’s scholarly prowess. The interview also touched on Infiniti’s recent visibility in music videos, including her role in an Ateez video, marking her expanding presence in the entertainment industry.
“The Julia Set” premiered in Toronto and is currently seeking distribution.
Christopher Briney as the abuser is a bold choice. Hopefully his character isn’t just a plot device for Julia’s growth.
I’m skeptical about the distribution chances, though. TIFF breakouts often stall out. Hope this one finds its audience properly.
Wait, she was in that Ateez video too? Her range is honestly impressive. Can’t wait to see what she tackles next.
The discussion about women of color in academia felt crucial and refreshing. Finally, a film tackling love bombing with such nuance.
I need to see this immediately. A Putnam Exam drama with real emotional depth sounds exactly like my kind of movie.