As Wilmette-born actor Nico Tortorella and his partner were trying to have their first baby, he was getting ready to make a queer indie film with fatherhood at its center.

The Mattachine Family, available for sale or rent Tuesday on streaming platforms, shares the story of a gay couple dealing with loss after their foster child is returned to his birth mother.

Thomas and Oscar played by Tortorella and Juan Pablo Di Pace adjust in different ways, with Oscar diving into his career and moving to Michigan to film a new show while Tortorellas character struggles to figure out whats next.

Tortorella said working on the film was a healing experience that taught him about parenthood. Tortorellas first child was born in 2023, and the couple recently announced theyre expecting another.

There was some divine timing in action here, Tortorella said. And I am forever grateful. Thomas prepared me in so many ways to be a father.

Read the full interview at Sun-Times