How Nico Tortorella Found Solace in 'The Mattachine Family' Amid Infertility Challenges (Exclusive)

Mattachine Family_Press3, Nico Tortorella

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Starring in The Mattachine Family was more than a job for Nico Tortorella - it was therapy.

Directed by Andrew Vallentine, the film follows Thomas (Tortorella) and Oscar (Juan Pablo Di Pace), a happily married gay couple. They face a crossroads when their first foster child returns to his birth mother. Initially, Thomas is not very interested in parenthood but struggles with saying goodbye, making him realize his desire to be a father. On the other hand, Oscar is more focused on his career.

Vallentine's personal story was inspired by real conversations with his husband about fatherhood as two gay men. Tortorella, the director, was deeply moved by Thomas' story, finding parallels to his own struggles with infertility alongside his wife, Bethany Meyers.

Tortorella shared, "Reading the script was a profoundly emotional experience for me. I felt a strong connection to the story, seeing reflections of my own journey and struggles. At home, I had to be the strong one, supporting Bethany through the emotional challenges of infertility. I was the one who always believed it would happen, no matter what. But filming this movie allowed me to confront and express all the emotions I had been keeping inside. I cried and longed for the child we had been dreaming of for over a year."

After struggling for over a year to conceive, the couple joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kilmer Dove, in March 2023. Just a month later, they shared the exciting news that they are expecting their second child, who is due in October.

The Mattachine Family was recorded over a brief period of "20 some odd days" in the autumn of 2021. Looking back on the experience, Tortorella believes that playing the role of Thomas actually helped prepare them for parenthood more than they had ever anticipated.

"I went through extreme highs and lows while working on this film. It was like going through an emotional rollercoaster. Every day felt like a marathon, switching between funny and emotional scenes within a short period of time. The biggest lesson I learned was that becoming a parent truly transforms you. It's a life-changing experience that shapes who you are."

Similarly, like Thomas, becoming a father has completely transformed Tortorella's life. They mentioned how they are now a different person since the arrival of their child, Kilmer Dove.

Mattachine Family_Press10, NIco Tortorella

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The actor expressed that everything in their life has changed - priorities, wishes, dreams, art, work, future plans, home life, social circle, and living situation. They mentioned that despite the challenges, they wouldn't trade their new life for anything because even though it can be tough at times, it is worth it.

On the other hand, the actor highlighted that the difficulties are outweighed by the joys. They shared that they have not hired a babysitter in over a year and three months, opting to spend every day with their daughter instead. The actor emphasized that this time spent with their child is invaluable and something that cannot be replaced with money.

"It's been amazing to have the opportunity to spend quality time with my family and strengthen our bond," he shared. "This is where we build our foundation and support each other on this journey towards our future."

While parenthood has taken the top spot, Tortorella's love for his work remains strong. That's why he can connect with both Thomas and Oscar, seeing things from different perspectives.

Mattachine Family_Press6, Nico Tortorella

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Tortorella explained that during the shooting, he could relate to both sides of the life-work balance dilemma. One character is focused on their acting career while the other wants to start a family. He believes that both characters, who ultimately break up due to their differences, are justified in prioritizing their own needs.

While some may view the characters' breakup as a negative outcome, Tortorella emphasized the realistic portrayal of The Mattachine Family's story. He pointed out that it is normal for people to drift apart and follow separate paths in life. Despite society's reluctance to acknowledge this reality, he believes that individuals have the right to pursue their own journeys.

The ending of the movie leaves Thomas and Oscar's future open to interpretation. In the final scene, Thomas, along with his new baby daughter Eve, meets someone at a diner who is implied to be Oscar. According to Tortorella, the idea of growing apart in order to eventually come back together is something he can personally connect with in his own life.

Mattachine Family_Press1, Nico Tortorella

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"My relationship with Bethany has been going strong for 19 years. We have always made choices as individuals, but when we decided to have a baby, we had to align our paths and focus all our energy on this one goal," he shared. "Having a family has changed us in a significant way."

There are many ways to bring life into the world, including Thomas’ choice to adopt as a single dad. Tortorella mentioned that Thomas felt a strong calling to adopt without any doubts. He commended Thomas for his pride, determination, and dedication to his decision.

The goal of The Mattachine Family is not to dictate how people should live their lives. Instead, the film highlights the various ways to love and exist. It emphasizes that despite our differences, we are more alike than we realize.

Tortorella explained that the movie is about breaking down barriers and showing that we are more alike than different. They believe the film is for everyone, including the queer community, those who may not understand them, parents, and even those who do not want to be parents. According to Tortorella, there is no correct way to create or live life.

The Mattachine Family can now be rented or purchased on all digital platforms.

Editor's P/S:

Paragraph 1:

Nico Tortorella's experience in "The Mattachine Family" deeply resonated with their personal journey as they navigated infertility and the desire for parenthood. The film became a therapeutic outlet for Tortorella, allowing them to process their emotions and connect with the character of Thomas. The parallels between the film's narrative and their own life experiences made the role particularly meaningful, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in healing and self-discovery.

Paragraph 2:

Tortorella's perspective on the film's ending reflects their belief in the fluidity of relationships and the importance of individuals pursuing their own paths. While the breakup of Thomas and Oscar