Jillian Bell searched for something different in her career.

For most of her career, she starred in mostly comedic roles in television and films. When the script of Cowboys came along, she jumped at the opportunity.

Bell plays Sally, a mother to Joe (played by Sasha Knight) and former wife to Troy (played by Steve Zahn). After Joe came out to be a boy, Sally kept her insistence to maintain a daughter with dolls and dresses. Eventually, it causes Joe to flee with his father deep into the wilderness.

The sensational and touching story came from Anna Kerrigan, who also directed the movie.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Steven Zahn stars as Troy, a troubled but well-intentioned father who has recently separated from his wife Sally (Bell). Aghast at Sally’s refusal to let their trans son Joe (Knight) live as his authentic self, Troy runs off with Joe into the Montana wilderness. Meanwhile, the police detective (Ann Dowd) pursues them, but her resolve about the case is tested the more she learns about Joe’s family. Cowboys is a modern-day western tale of rescue, family betrayal, and a father and his son on the run.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke to actress Jillian Bell and director/writer Anna Kerrigan on this project.

Jillian Bell studied improv at an early age and eventually became a member of the Groundlings. Although she auditioned for Saturday Night Live, she ended being a writer for the show in 2009 for its 35th season. In 2013, she had a breakout role as Dixie in Eastbound & Down, and then as Mercedes in the sequel 22 Jump Street. She continued to make people laugh in television series such as Workaholics and Idiotsitter. On the animation side, she lends her voice to several notable shows, including SuperMansion, Green Eggs and Ham, American Dad!, and Bless the Harts.

For Anne Kerrigan, Cowboys is her sophomore full-length feature film since Five Days Gone. She directed several episodes for a comedy series The Impossibilities. Also, she has a few short films under her belt, including The Jury, Hot Seat, and The Rub.

Cowboys releases in virtual cinemas and on VOD on Friday, February 12.

Watch the exclusive interview below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Samuel Goldwyn Films