Noah Caplan is a 20-year-old director with an unwavering commitment to making movies that speak directly to his generation. At just 20, he is gearing up to shoot his first feature film, Impressionable, tackling the complex issues of toxic masculinity and the pressures faced by young men today. His ambition is clear: to tell stories for his peers, by someone who truly understands their experiences.
Caplan’s approach to filmmaking is refreshingly authentic, and he’s determined to reshape the way young people are represented in cinema. “The industry must present young, impressionable boys with better role models,” he says, taking aim at figures like Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer known for promoting toxic masculinity. As Caplan prepares to make his directorial debut, it’s clear that his path to filmmaking was anything but conventional.
A Self-Taught Filmmaker with a Passion for Social Impact
Caplan’s journey into the world of filmmaking started at an early age. Growing up in Essex, England, with no industry connections, he didn’t have the typical “nepo baby” advantages. Instead, his love for storytelling blossomed from his childhood, where he wrote a superhero script at just seven years old. “I always wanted to tell stories, I just wasn’t ever sure how to,” Caplan says.
It was a traumatic family experience that shifted his perspective on the kind of films he wanted to make. When his younger sister fell from a great height and suffered extensive injuries, Caplan reevaluated his approach to filmmaking. “I remodeled. I wanted to make films that had some level of social impact and gave back,” he explains.
By 17, Caplan had written and directed his first short film, Stepping Stone, a project focused on suicide awareness. The film, which received funding of around £10,000 ($12,800), premiered on U.K. streaming service ITVX and featured notable actor Danny Dyer. Getting Dyer on board was a stroke of determination. Caplan reached out through Instagram, messaging people Dyer followed until one person passed his pitch along to the actor’s wife. A few days later, Dyer called Caplan to say, “I’m in. I love the idea.”
For Caplan, working with Dyer was an unforgettable experience. “He is the most generous, the kindest on set,” Caplan recalls, even joking about Dyer’s time spent chatting with the crew during breaks. It’s moments like these that Caplan cherishes as he builds his career in filmmaking.
The Inspiration Behind Impressionable: Tackling Toxic Masculinity
Caplan’s next project, Impressionable, delves deeper into the issue of toxic masculinity and the influence of hyper-masculine role models. The film tells the story of a teenage boy who, neglected by the male figures in his life, forms a parasocial relationship with a celebrity embodying an idealized version of masculinity. When tragedy strikes, the boy is forced to reassess his beliefs about what it means to be a man.
Caplan’s motivation for this story stems from his own experiences growing up. “I could see, even amongst my own peers, how impressionable our generation of men are,” he says. With the rise of toxic figures like Andrew Tate and the overwhelming presence of macho influencers, Caplan saw the urgent need for films that show young men healthier role models. “I wanted to make this film about what it means to be a man from the perspective of a teenager in a vulnerable position,” Caplan adds.
Caplan’s personal journey of finding better role models—such as Terry Crews, Justin Baldoni, and Harry Styles—also informed the creation of Impressionable. For Caplan, these figures represent a more positive vision of masculinity that he hopes to showcase in his film.
Casting for Impressionable: A Film for Gen Z
While Caplan has kept details of the cast under wraps, he has hinted that the film will feature actors who challenge societal expectations of masculinity. By casting individuals with preconceived perceptions of their masculinity, Caplan hopes to create a dynamic that will resonate with young audiences.
Writing the script for Impressionable in a remote lighthouse in Wales, Caplan found inspiration in the whimsical, coming-of-age energy of British-Filipino musician Beabadoobee. With a finalized script, Caplan is now working with producer Laurie Mahon (Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Mirror), cinematographer Simon Stolland, and executive producers Finn Bruce and Lionel Hicks to bring his vision to life.
Despite not attending film school, Caplan’s journey has been guided by an insatiable hunger to learn. “My film school was YouTube,” he admits, explaining that his technical training came from watching countless tutorials online. “I’ve been blessed to meet some really cool people along the way who helped me.”
Fighting for Gen Z Filmmakers and Stories
Caplan’s goal is to prove that the industry needs to take risks on young filmmakers who understand the stories of today’s generation. “Gen Z wants to go to the cinema,” Caplan says. “But the industry doesn’t want to use new filmmakers.” He argues that by investing in smaller-budget films made by original voices, the industry could unlock stories that genuinely resonate with a younger audience.
As Caplan prepares to direct his first feature film, his passion for amplifying Gen Z’s voice in cinema is palpable. “Young filmmakers are crying out to be heard,” he says. “This Gen Z audience wants a film like this, and that’s what’s motivating me.”
What’s Next for Noah Caplan?
Noah Caplan is just getting started, and his drive to create authentic, impactful films is pushing him forward. As Impressionable prepares to begin shooting next summer, it’s clear that Caplan’s voice will continue to challenge traditional narratives and provide a fresh perspective on the issues facing his generation. His ambition is to create films that not only entertain but also offer social value, making him a director to watch in the years ahead.
