Bryce Gheisar & Jem Matthews To Star In Indie Drama 'Lost In Jersey' From Director Thomas Dekker

The film is set in 1960s New Jersey and centers on two boys at an all-boys school whose friendship is forged through a shared past with a teacher.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Actor-turned-filmmaker Thomas Dekker has found his next project behind the camera in 'Lost in Jersey', an indie drama to star Bryce Gheisar and Jem Matthews. Set to shoot in Philadelphia and surrounding areas this year, the film is set in 1960s New Jersey and centers on two boys at an all-boys school whose friendship is forged through a shared past with a teacher.

Why it matters

This indie drama marks the latest project for up-and-coming actors Bryce Gheisar and Jem Matthews, who have both garnered attention for their roles in recent films like 'Wonder' and 'White Bird'. The film also represents a new directorial effort from Thomas Dekker, an experienced actor who is transitioning to filmmaking.

The details

Jillian Shea Spaeder will produce 'Lost in Jersey' through her company, Spilled Beans, alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind and Lauri Levenfeld. Dekker, who has previously directed the SXSW horror-thriller 'Jack Goes Home' and the indie drama 'Whore', penned the script for the new film.

  • The film is set to shoot in Philadelphia and surrounding areas this year.

The players

Thomas Dekker

An actor-turned-filmmaker who is directing 'Lost in Jersey'.

Bryce Gheisar

An up-and-coming actor who has appeared in films like 'Wonder', 'The 15:17 to Paris', and 'White Bird', and is set to star in 'Lost in Jersey'.

Jem Matthews

An actor who has also appeared in 'White Bird' and the 'Wonder' spin-off prequel, and is co-starring in 'Lost in Jersey'.

Jillian Shea Spaeder

The producer of 'Lost in Jersey' through her company, Spilled Beans.

Alyvia Alyn Lind

One of the producers of 'Lost in Jersey'.

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What they’re saying

“Thomas Dekker has found his next project behind the camera in 'Lost in Jersey', an indie drama to star Bryce Gheisar and Jem Matthews.”

— Matt Grobar, Author (deadline.com)

What’s next

The film is set to shoot in Philadelphia and surrounding areas this year.

The takeaway

This indie drama represents an exciting new project for up-and-coming actors Bryce Gheisar and Jem Matthews, as well as a new directorial effort from experienced actor Thomas Dekker. The film's 1960s New Jersey setting and focus on a friendship forged through a shared past promise an intriguing and compelling story.