“Stand-up is a high-wire act,” says Gareth Reynolds. “One night you’re king of the world, and four days later you’re wondering if you ever had it. But that’s the beauty of it—it keeps you honest.”
At this year’s Cinequest, Reynolds brings that raw, hilarious honesty to the silver screen with the world premiere of Give It Up. A mockumentary that is equal parts love letter and Dear John letter to the world of comedy, the film follows Mortimer—a veteran comic navigating a world where stagecraft is suddenly competing with TikTok algorithms and nine-year-old viral stars.
The Magic in the Chaos
While some films are born in quiet studios, Give It Up was forged in the fire of a live comedy tour. Reynolds didn’t just play a struggling comic; he lived the role between his actual sets, often enlisting his real-life audiences to join the fun.
“I’d be on stage doing my regular show, and once the vibe was perfect, I’d let them in on the secret,” Reynolds laughs. “I’d say, ‘Hey, we’re shooting something—I’m going to fake pass out, so don’t worry, but also don’t laugh!” This was an incredible shared moment of creation with Gareth and audiences throughout the tour.
This “guerrilla-style” filmmaking allowed for lightning-in-a-bottle moments. When a hotel neighbor’s loud evening interrupted Reynolds’ sleep, he and director Kyle Newacheck didn’t complain—they wrote it into the script.
A Masterclass in Independence
Cinequest has always celebrated the Maverick—the artist who doesn’t wait for permission. Reynolds embodies this spirit. Alongside a powerhouse cast including Jake Johnson and Katharine Reitman, the team built Give It Up on their own terms.
“We’re a band of misfits,” Reynolds says proudly. “In this industry, it’s easy to sit around waiting for someone to give you a budget. But there’s a massive power in driving your own career. You have to take the reins, run as the outsider, and find your own path. That’s what being a Maverick is all about.”
Finding the Light
Despite the satirical jabs at the “war crimes” of social media metrics and the “buzz saw” of the road, the heart of Give It Up is surprisingly bright. When asked to describe the film’s final frame in one word, Reynolds doesn’t hesitate: Optimism.
“The goal doesn’t always have to be the infinity pool and the global superstardom,” he reflects. “There is something beautiful about reaching a level of comfort where you appreciate the work and value the people who support you. That’s the real win.”
Catch the Premiere
For those heading to the historic California Theatre this Sunday, expect a rowdy, heartfelt, and authentically funny look at what it means to keep going when the world tells you to quit. If the theater is packed, Reynolds will be thrilled. And if only seven people show up?
“Well,” he jokes, “that would be very ‘on-brand’ for Mortimer, wouldn’t it?”
I plan to be there and so should you.
‘Give It Up’ will play at California Theatre in San Jose on March 15 at 2:30pm, and at Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View on March 18 at 11am and March 20 at 2:15pm. tickets.cinequest.org
