The Unexpected Path: Chase Infiniti's 'Julia Set' Preparation Revealed

Collider's Perri Nemiroff had the opportunity to chat with the cast of "The Julia Set" at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026, where the film world-premiered. Cast members Chase Infiniti, Christopher Briney, Jason Isaacs, Chlöe Bailey, and Nico Haraga joined Nemiroff at the Collider Media Studio to discuss various aspects of the film and their experiences.

"The Julia Set" is the sophomore feature from writer-director Niki Byrne. It follows the unexpected trajectory of Julia, played by Chase Infiniti, a gifted university student who is recruited into an elite group of mathematical prodigies. Her journey begins when teaching assistant Pascal (Christopher Briney) notices her innate mathematical abilities. Julia, who had previously stifled her talents, finds herself entering a highly competitive world, preparing for The Putnam Exam, a contest where students like Pascal are often trained from a young age for genius. As the competition date draws near, Julia's methodical mind flourishes under pressure, even as others around her begin to falter.

During their conversation at TIFF, the cast delved into the extensive preparation required to authentically portray mathematicians on screen. They also spoke about their unwavering trust in writer-director Niki Byrne's vision for the film. A significant part of the discussion focused on the personal mentors who have guided them throughout their careers. Jason Isaacs, a seasoned actor, offered his valuable wisdom and encouragement to young artists during the interview.

Specific insights from the cast revealed how their experiences shaped the film and their characters. Chase Infiniti explained how her co-stars played a crucial role in shaping Julia’s on-screen relationships, highlighting the collaborative nature of the production. Christopher Briney shared an interesting anecdote, noting that a specific pair of shoes helped him find and embody his character, Pascal. Chlöe Bailey discussed her process of discovering her character and the importance of representation on screen, while Nico Hiraga elaborated on how his character provides a sense of calm and stability amidst the film's intense narrative. Jason Isaacs further praised Niki Byrne’s direction, commending the film’s emotional complexity and depth.

While "The Julia Set" premiered at TIFF 2026 to critical buzz, a release date for the film has not yet been announced. Updates are expected to be provided by Collider in due course.