“Raymond & Ray” Written and directed by Rodrigo García, follows the lives of two half-brothers after the death of their estranged father. Despite their terrible childhoods, the two reunite and set out to fulfill their father’s last wish to dig a grave. This act forces them to confront their past, introspect, and truly understand their father’s influence on their lives.
The film takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster by combining genres such as black comedy, drama, and slice of life. It explores themes such as strained relationships, repressed memories, trauma, and catharsis in an authentic way. A significant factor contributing to the realism and melancholic undertones of the film is its gloomy setting. If you’re curious about the filming locations of “Raymond & Ray,”
Where Was Raymond & Ray Movie Filmed?
“Raymond & Ray” was filmed in various cities and counties in southeastern Virginia, with most of the scenes shot in central Virginia. The Ewan McGregor and Ethan Hawke starrer began filming in October 2021, and production reportedly wrapped in August 2022.
According to state production regulations, the film likely received a percentage of a tax credit from Virginia for contributing to the region’s economy. by choosing a filming location.
Interestingly, producer Julie Lynn has a previous connection to the state. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia and a board member of the Virginia Film Festival. Additionally, “Raymond & Ray” marks Ethan Hawke’s second visit to the state for filming; his miniseries ‘The Good Lord Bird’ was also filmed in Virginia. Let’s get to the specific locations of the Raymond & Ray film.
Virginia
Most of the Raymond & Ray film was shot in various fascinating locations in Richmond, the capital of Virginia. In November 2021, key scenes from the film were shot at Oakwood Cemetery, which doubled as the burial site of Raymond and Ray’s late father.
The dull atmosphere of this site lends itself to the despair of the characters and heightens their sadness. Located in the east end of Richmond, between Nine Mile Road and Stony Run Parkway, the sprawling site is home to the graves of more than 48,000 people, including many Civil War soldiers.
Another curious choice of location is Downtown Richmond. Several scenes of the film were shot on and around West Broad Street. In particular, the film crew was spotted next to the Quirk Hotel, a non-traditional boutique hotel that offers rooms, suites, art experiences, wedding and meeting spaces, and several restaurants. So the cast and crew were able to shoot in a 4-star hotel for a short time.
The team also tapped Jackson Ward for several crucial scenes, some of which reportedly required Ethan Hawke and Sophie Okonedo to film at night. Historically an African-American neighborhood in Richmond, the location likely served as a backdrop for one of the key moments between the two characters – where Ray runs and stops Kiera’s car in the middle of the road. During the filming of this scene, a Twitter user managed to capture a few moments from a distance, as you can see below.
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Additionally, the film was shot in Fulton Hill and Church Hill. The former is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Richmond, stretching from Gillies Creek to the city limits. Church Hill, also known as St. John’s Church Historic District, is the eastern end of Broad Street.
This is where Patrick Henry gave his “Give Me Liberty” speech in 1775. Both of these neighborhoods have a classic aesthetic that lends a rustic feel to the film. Several other notable shows and movies that have been shot here include ‘Dopesick’, ‘Homeland’, ‘Mission Impossible III’ and many more.
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The film was also shot in the historic waterfront town of Hopewell in Prince George’s County in the southeastern part of the state. From October 18 to 21, the production team shot several scenes on Sixth Avenue, between West Broadway Avenue and City Point Road, as well as on West Broadway Avenue, which was closed to the public on October 21. These roads could have been the backdrop for the scenes in which Ray and Raymond travel in the car.
In addition to these locations, the team shot several scenes in the Cumberland County community of Cartersville, Goochland County, and even the city of Petersburg. The common thread of these places is how they combine contemporary and traditional vibes. They exude a lively yet somber atmosphere, similar to the overall tone and characters of the film.
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During filming, Ethan Hawke and Ewan McGregor were spotted exploring the local restaurant scene. On one side, Ethan and his daughter Maya Hawke had a great meal at Cul’s Courthouse Grille in Charles City County. On the other hand, Ewan McGregor and his wife were seen taking pictures with the staff of The Lilly Pad in Richmond’s Eastern Henrico district.
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