Nicole Riegel’s 2024 film ‘Dandelion’ follows Theresa — A.K.A Dandelion — a struggling singer-songwriter who books a last-effort gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota before giving up on her dream. There she meets Casey, a guitarist who’s long-since walked away from his musical pursuits. A romance blossoms and for the first time, Dandelion finds her authentic voice.

KiKi Layne and Thomas Doherty, who star as Dandelion and Casey discussed the film with Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder, delving into finding their voices as actors and the way Dandelion’s identity as a Black woman impacts her artistry. ‘Dandelion’ hits theaters July 12.

Follow Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder on Instagram and X @thereelcritic.