local
Filmmaker Matthew Simpson’s movie ‘Before Me’ explores retroactive jealousy
By Sammie Purcell at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Many movie premieres are typically followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. “Before Me,” which played to a crowd of over 100 people on June 14 at the Tara Theatre, was no different.
Most of those Q&As, however, probably don’t involve a licensed therapist. But after the movie, Dr. Margo Rice join...
Key takeaway “Before Me,” which played to a crowd of over 100 people on June 14 at the Tara Theatre, was no different.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The premiere of "Before Me" at the Tara Theatre brings attention to a topic that may resonate with many Atlantans who have experienced the challenges of relationships. Retroactive jealousy, the theme of Matthew Simpson's film, is a complex issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. As a community, Atlanta has a thriving arts scene, with numerous independent theaters and film festivals that provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work. The fact that Simpson, a Georgia native, chose to premiere his film in Atlanta suggests that the city's supportive environment for artists played a role in his decision. Furthermore, the presence of a licensed therapist, Dr. Margo Rice, at the Q&A session highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in a public forum, which is a significant aspect of Atlanta's community-driven approach to wellness.
About this story
Original reporting by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Many movie premieres are typically followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. “Before Me,” which played to a crowd of over 100 people on June 14 at the Tara Theatre, was no different.
Most of those Q&As, however, probably don’t involve a licensed therapist. But after the movie, Dr. Margo Rice join...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sammie Purcell at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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